Chelsea Football Club has issued a strong condemnation of the online racial abuse directed at defender Wesley Fofana following their recent match.

On Monday, Fofana shared screenshots of the hateful messages he received after the game, highlighting the persistent issue of racism in football.

“2025, and yet stupidity and cruelty no longer hide… It’s not just football, it’s not just a ‘game’ when some believe their skin color makes them superior to others,” Fofana wrote on his Instagram story. “It’s time for change, for platforms to take action, and for everyone to take responsibility.”

In response, Chelsea released an official statement expressing “appallment and disgust” over the abuse targeted at Fofana and other players.

“The abuse Wesley Fofana has been subjected to following yesterday’s fixture is abhorrent and will not be tolerated,” the club stated.

Chelsea reaffirmed its full support for the defender and vowed to work with authorities to identify and hold the perpetrators accountable.

The incident occurred after Chelsea’s narrow 1-0 defeat to Arsenal on Sunday at the Emirates Stadium. The decisive moment came in the 20th minute when Mikel Merino scored from a Martin Ødegaard corner, keeping Arsenal in the title race while Chelsea remained in fourth place.