Burnley F.C. have condemned the racist abuse directed at midfielder Hannibal Mejbri following Saturday’s Premier League draw with Chelsea F.C..
The 20-year-old was targeted with offensive messages on Instagram after the 1–1 match at Stamford Bridge. Mejbri shared screenshots of the abuse on his social media account, writing: “It’s 2026 and there are still people like that. Educate yourself and your kids, please.”
Burnley confirmed the incident has been reported to police and to Meta Platforms Inc., the parent company of Instagram. In a statement, the club said there is “no place for this in our society” and reiterated its zero-tolerance stance on discrimination.
The club added that it expects a firm response from Meta, the Premier League and law enforcement authorities, and will work to ensure the individual responsible is identified and investigated. Burnley also pledged its full support to Mejbri, noting that supporters have already spoken out to condemn the abuse. “There is no room for racism,” the statement said.
During the match, Mejbri was fouled by defender Wesley Fofana, who was shown a yellow card for the challenge before later being sent off for a second booking.
It is not the first time Mejbri has been subjected to racist abuse. In November last year, Milutin Osmajic of Preston North End F.C. was handed a nine-match ban and fined £21,000 after being found guilty of racially abusing him during a Championship fixture.
Burnley reiterated their ongoing commitment to tackling discrimination in football and reaffirmed their support for Mejbri.
