The Premier League has condemned the “appalling” racist abuse directed at Chelsea defender Wesley Fofana on social media following his team’s 1-0 defeat to Arsenal on Sunday. Fofana, 24, shared screenshots of the abusive messages he received on his Instagram story, adding the comment, “stupidity and cruelty can no longer hide.”
The Premier League issued a statement expressing its support for Fofana and Chelsea: “The Premier League is appalled by the abuse suffered by Chelsea’s Wesley Fofana after their match against Arsenal. We will offer our full support to Wesley and the club.” The league also reiterated its commitment to working with social media platforms and authorities to hold perpetrators accountable: “We work with the social media platforms and the authorities to ensure any individuals found guilty of abuse face the strongest possible consequences.”
2025, stupidity and cruelty no longer hide…
It’s not just football, it’s not just a "game" when some believe that their skin color makes them superior to others.
It’s time for things to change, for platforms to take action, and for everyone to take responsibility. pic.twitter.com/H8R3YU3h98
— Wesley Fofana (@Wesley_Fofana3) March 17, 2025
Fofana, a France international, also called for action from social media companies on Monday. “It’s not just football; it’s not just a ‘game’ when some believe that their skin colour makes them superior to others,” he stated. “It’s time for things to change, for platforms to take action, and everyone to take responsibility.”
Chelsea Football Club also released a statement, expressing disgust at the “recent rise in online racial abuse towards our players” and reaffirming that such abuse would not be tolerated. The incident highlights the ongoing problem of online racial abuse targeting footballers and the need for stronger measures to combat it.
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