Chelsea release statement after Wesley Fofana targeted by racist abuse following defeat to Arsenal

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·17. März 2025

Chelsea release statement after Wesley Fofana targeted by racist abuse following defeat to Arsenal

The Frenchman shared screenshots of the abuse on Instagram on Monday

Wesley Fofana was subjected to racist abuse online after Chelsea’s defeat to Arsenal

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Chelsea have condemned the “abhorrent” racist abuse directed at Wesley Fofana following the club’s defeat to Arsenal on Sunday.

Fofana played 86 minutes as the Blues were beaten 1-0 by the Gunners at the Emirates Stadium, in what was only his second appearance since December.

The 24-year-old was targeted by racist abuse online after the match and he took to Instagram on Monday afternoon to share several screenshots of messages he had been sent.

Chelsea have contacted Instagram and will work with the authorities to ensure the “strongest possible action” is taken.

A statement said: “Chelsea Football Club is appalled and disgusted by the recent rise in online racial abuse towards our players.

"The abuse Wes Fofana has been subjected to following yesterday’s fixture is abhorrent and will not be tolerated.

"Wes and all our players have our full support. We will work with the relevant authorities in identifying the perpetrators and take the strongest possible action."

Fofana is one of several players to have been subjected to racist abuse on social media in recent months.

Fulham released a similar statement earlier this month after Calvin Bassey was targeted, while Abdoulaye Doucoure was abused following the Merseyside derby in February.