Burnley FC Issues Unwavering Condemnation of Racial Abuse Targeting Hannibal Mejbri
Burnley Football Club has taken a definitive stand against the vile racial abuse directed at midfielder Hannibal Mejbri in the aftermath of their Premier League clash with Chelsea. The club's forceful statement underscores its zero-tolerance policy towards discrimination of any kind, following the disturbing incident that unfolded on social media platforms.
Incident Details and Player's Response
The abuse occurred after Burnley's hard-fought 1-1 draw at Stamford Bridge, a match where Hannibal was fouled for the first of two yellow cards shown to Chelsea's Wesley Fofana, leading to the defender's dismissal. Hannibal himself brought the issue to light by sharing a screenshot of a racist direct message he received on Instagram. Accompanying the post, the player wrote a poignant message: "It's 2026 and there still ppl like that … Educate yourself and your kids pls." This public sharing highlighted the persistent and ugly reality of online hate faced by athletes.
Club's Official Statement and Actions Taken
In response, Burnley FC released an unequivocal statement expressing collective disgust. "Everyone at Burnley FC is disgusted by the online racist abuse directed at Hannibal following today's Premier League fixture. There is no place for this in our society and we condemn it unreservedly," the club declared. The statement further emphasized the club's unwavering stance, noting its zero-tolerance approach to any form of discrimination.
The club has taken concrete steps to address the abuse:
- Reporting the offensive post directly to Meta, the parent company of Instagram.
- Seeking robust support from Meta, the Premier League, and relevant police authorities.
- Committing to work collaboratively to ensure the individual responsible is identified and faces a thorough investigation.
Support for the Player and Broader Implications
Burnley has pledged its full support to Hannibal Mejbri, assuring that he will receive the backing of both the club and its fanbase, who have already been vocal in condemning the abuse. The club's statement concluded with a powerful reminder: "There is no room for racism." This incident serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing battle against online hate in football and society at large, prompting calls for continued education and stricter enforcement against perpetrators.
