Burnley Football Club has expressed its disgust following a barrage of racist abuse directed at midfielder Hannibal Mejbri on social media after Saturday’s 1-1 draw with Chelsea at Stamford Bridge. The abuse, received via Instagram, is the latest in a troubling series of incidents targeting the 23-year-old Tunisian international, and underscores the persistent issue of racism within football. The club has reported the incident to both police and Meta, Instagram’s parent company, demanding a swift and thorough investigation.
The incident comes less than a year after a similar attack on Mejbri, during a Championship game against Preston North End in November 2025. Then, Milutin Osmajic of Preston was handed a nine-game ban and fined £21,000 after being found guilty of racially abusing the Burnley player, as reported by the BBC. This latest episode highlights the ongoing challenge of eradicating racism from the sport, despite increased awareness and punitive measures.
Mejbri’s Response and Burnley’s Stance
Mejbri himself shared a screenshot of the abusive messages on Instagram, accompanied by a poignant message: “It’s 2026 and Notice still people like that. Educate yourself and your kids, please.” His direct appeal speaks to the broader societal need for education and understanding. Burnley responded swiftly and unequivocally, issuing a strong statement condemning the abuse and pledging full support for the player.
“There is no place for this in our society and we condemn it unreservedly,” the club stated. “The club continues to be unequivocal in its stance – we have a zero-tolerance approach to any form of discrimination. The club has reported the post to Instagram’s parent company, Meta, and expects a strong response from them, together with the Premier League and the police, and will work to ensure that the individual responsible is identified and investigated.” Burnley also affirmed that Mejbri has the full backing of the club and its supporters, noting the immediate condemnation of the abuse from fans.
A Season of Ups and Downs for Mejbri
Hannibal Mejbri, born in Ivry-sur-Seine, France, in January 2003, has had a dynamic career trajectory. According to his Wikipedia profile, he joined Manchester United’s youth system in 2019, progressing through the ranks before making his senior debut in May 2021. He spent the 2022-23 season on loan at Birmingham City, where he scored his first senior goal, and later had a loan spell with Sevilla in 2024.
He joined Burnley in 2024, playing a key role in their promotion to the Premier League at the end of the 2024-25 season. As of February 9, 2026, Mejbri has made 55 appearances for Burnley, scoring two goals. He also represents the Tunisia national team, having earned 43 caps as of February 11, 2026.
The Broader Context of Racism in Football
This incident involving Hannibal Mejbri is not isolated. Racism continues to plague football at all levels, from grassroots to the professional game. The Premier League, along with other governing bodies, has implemented various initiatives to combat discrimination, including educational programs, reporting mechanisms, and stricter sanctions for offenders. However, the persistence of online abuse demonstrates the limitations of these measures and the need for a more comprehensive approach.
The role of social media companies is also under increasing scrutiny. While platforms like Instagram have policies against hate speech, critics argue that they are not doing enough to identify and remove abusive content quickly and effectively. Burnley’s call for a “strong response” from Meta reflects this growing demand for greater accountability.
What’s Next?
Burnley has confirmed that they are working with police and Meta to identify the perpetrator of the racist abuse. The investigation is ongoing, and further updates are expected in the coming days. The Premier League is also likely to address the issue, potentially reviewing its own protocols for dealing with online abuse. Fans and organizations alike are calling for meaningful action to protect players and create a more inclusive environment within the sport. The focus now shifts to holding the individual accountable and sending a clear message that racism will not be tolerated.
This is a developing story, and we will continue to provide updates as they become available. If you or someone you grasp has been affected by racism, resources are available. Share your thoughts on this important issue in the comments below.
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