Chelsea Wesley Fofana defender says that “stupidity and cruelty can no longer hide” and that it is “time for things to change” after being racially abused on social networks.
On Monday, Fofana, 24, shared his screenshots of Instagram Story of six racist messages that are sent after the 1-0 defeat of Chelsea for Arsenal in the Premier League on Sunday.
Arsenal felt Fofana was lucky enough to stay in the field after committing several fouls in Emirates Stadium.
“2025, stupidity and cruelty can no longer hide. It is not just football; it is not just a” game “when some believe that their skin color makes them superior to others,” published on Instagram later on Monday.
“It’s time for things to change, so that platforms take measures and all are responsible.”
Chelsea condemned the abuse on Monday with a statement that said: “Chelsea Football Club is horrified and disgusted by the recent increase in racial abuse online to our players,” said a Chelsea statement.
“The abuse that Wes Fofana has undergone yesterday’s accessory is abhorrent and will not be tolerated.
“Wes and all our players have all our support. We will work with the relevant authorities to identify the perpetrators and take the strongest possible action.”
Chelsea will communicate with Instagram about publications.
In a statement, Premier League said it was “horrified” by abuse and offered its support to Fofana and Chelsea.
“We work with social media platforms and the authorities to ensure that any individual found guilty of abuse in front of the strongest consequences,” reads the statement.
“Football is for everyone and there is no place for discrimination in our game or a broader society.”
The online abuse of the French defender follows the recent cases that involve Calvin Bassey of Fulham, the Everton midfielder, Abdoulaye Doucoure, the defender of England Kyle Walker, Joe Willock of Newcastle United and Khadija Shaw of Manchester City.
In a recent interview with BBC Sport, Samuel Okafor, executive director of Anti-Discrimination Body It (Kio), said the level of abuse in English football had “reached the point of crisis.”
Fofana has made 14 appearances in the Premier League this season after having lost three months with an injury to the hamstrings.
BBC Sport has contacted Instagram owner, a goal to comment.
