Chelsea defender Wesley Fofana says “stupidity and cruelty can no longer hide” and that it is “time for things to change” after being racially abused on social media.
On Monday, Fofana, 24, shared to his Instagram story screenshots of six racist messages sent to him following Chelsea’s 1-0 defeat by Arsenal in the Premier League on Sunday.
Arsenal felt Fofana was fortunate to remain on the pitch after committing several fouls at the Emirates Stadium.
“2025, stupidity and cruelty can no longer hide. It’s not just football; it’s not just a ‘game’ when some believe that their skin colour makes them superior to others,” posted on Instagram later on Monday (via BBC Sport).
“It’s time for things to change, for platforms to take action, and everyone to take responsibility.”
Chelsea condemned the abuse earlier on Monday with a statement that read: “Chelsea Football Club is appalled and disgusted by the recent rise in online racial abuse towards our players,” a statement from Chelsea read.
“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.”
Chelsea will contact Instagram about the posts.
The French defender’s online abuse follows recent cases involving Fulham’s Calvin Bassey, Everton midfielder Abdoulaye Doucoure, England defender Kyle Walker, Newcastle United’s Joe Willock and Manchester City’s Khadija Shaw.
In a recent interview with BBC Sport, Samuel Okafor, chief executive of anti-discrimination body Kick It Out (KIO), said the level of abuse in English football had “reached crisis point”.
Fofana has made 14 Premier League appearances this season having missed three months with a hamstring injury.