Chelsea condemn ‘abhorrent’ racist abuse of Wesley Fofana

Chelsea have condemned the “abhorrent” online racist abuse received by defender Wesley Fofana and say that it “will not be tolerated”.

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.

“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.

Fofana’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.

BBC Sport has contacted Instagram’s owner Meta for comment.