In a dark reminder that football still battles its ugliest demons, Burnley midfielder Hannibal Mejbri was subjected to horrific racist abuse online following his side's dramatic draw against Chelsea. This shameful incident casts a long shadow over the sport, overshadowing a hard-fought Premier League point for the Clarets.
Key Points:
- Hannibal Mejbri received vile racist messages after Burnley's 1-1 draw with Chelsea.
- Burnley FC issued an immediate and powerful statement, condemning the abuse and reporting it to Meta and authorities.
- This marks a disturbing pattern, as it is not the first instance of racism Mejbri has endured in his career.
- The incident tragically overshadowed a crucial Premier League point for the battling Clarets.
Shameful Echoes: Hannibal Targeted Again
Following the thrilling 1-1 draw at Stamford Bridge, Hannibal Mejbri took to his Instagram story to share a repulsive racist message he had received. This blatant act of hatred reminds us of the persistent, ugly side of football fandom.
The Tunisia international, aged 23, bravely used his platform to call for better education, highlighting the ongoing global issue of racism that continues to plague the beautiful game. His plea echoes recent incidents involving stars like Vinicius Jr, demonstrating this is a pervasive problem.
The game itself, which saw Burnley snatch a shock point from Chelsea with a 94th-minute Zian Flemming header, should have been celebrated purely for its sporting drama. Instead, the focus shifts to a far more serious societal concern.
Burnley's Unwavering Stance Against Hate
Burnley FC responded with immediate and unequivocal condemnation. Their official club statement declared a zero-tolerance approach to discrimination, expressing utter disgust at the online abuse directed at Hannibal.
The club confirmed swift action, reporting the offensive post to Instagram's parent company, Meta. They expect full cooperation from social media platforms, the Premier League, and the police to identify and prosecute the individual responsible for this vile act.
Crucially, Burnley emphasized that Hannibal has the full backing of the club and its genuine fans, many of whom have already voiced their own outrage and condemnation against the abuse. There is no room for such hatred in football or society.
A Disturbing Pattern: Mejbri's Past Experience
In his own powerful words, Hannibal expressed his dismay: "It’s 2026 and there are still people like that… Educate yourself and your kids please." His message serves as a stark reminder of the long road ahead in the fight for true inclusivity.
Tragically, this isn't an isolated event for the former Manchester United academy graduate. Just last year, Milutin Osmajic, a Preston North End striker, faced a nine-match ban and a £21,000 fine for racially abusing Mejbri during a Championship match in February 2025.
While Burnley's spirited draw earned them a vital Premier League point in their arduous relegation battle, the ugly reality of racism once again overshadowed a sporting achievement. The fight for respect and equality in football continues, demanding collective action from everyone involved.
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