Why Did Burnley Respond with Outrage to Racist Abuse Targeting Mejbri?

Hannibal Mejbri, Burnley's midfielder, has faced abhorrent online racist abuse following the Clarets' recent Premier League match against Chelsea. After the 1-1 draw at Stamford Bridge, Mejbri shared the offensive messages on Instagram, highlighting the persistence of racism in 2026 and calling for education on this issue. Burnley FC has expressed its disgust, condemning the abuse and pledging support for Mejbri while reporting the incident to both the police and Instagram's owner, Meta.

Last updated: 22 October 2023 (BST)

What’s happening now

Burnley FC is taking a firm stand against the racist abuse directed at Hannibal Mejbri. The club has reported the incident to the police and Instagram, reiterating their zero-tolerance policy towards discrimination. This incident comes in a broader context where racism in football has again come to the forefront, highlighting the challenges that players still face both on and off the pitch. Mejbri's experience underlines the urgent need for social media platforms and authorities to address hate speech more effectively.

Key takeaways

Hannibal Mejbri received racist abuse on Instagram after Burnley's match against Chelsea.
Burnley FC condemned the abuse and reported it to the police and Meta.
Mejbri highlighted the ongoing issue of racism in society through his posts.

Timeline: how we got here

The timeline of events surrounding Mejbri and the issue of racism in football is as follows:

November 2022: Milutin Osmajic of Preston North End received a nine-game ban for racially abusing Mejbri during a Championship match.
21 October 2023: Mejbri faces racist abuse on social media following Burnley's match against Chelsea, which ended in a 1-1 draw.
22 October 2023: Burnley FC publicly condemns the abuse and reports the incident to relevant authorities.

What’s new vs what’s known

New today/this week

Burnley FC's immediate response to the racist abuse directed at Mejbri has been one of support and condemnation, showcasing their commitment to tackling discrimination. The club's statement emphasised their expectation for a strong response from Meta and law enforcement.

What was already established

Racism in football, particularly directed at players of diverse backgrounds, has been an ongoing issue. Previous incidents, including the case involving Osmajic, highlight that the problem persists within the sport. Clubs and players alike have increasingly been vocal against such behaviours, but effective measures have often fallen short.

Impact for the UK

Consumers and households

The broader societal impact of such abuse extends beyond the football pitch, affecting communities and families. Incidents like Mejbri's experience may lead to increased discussions around racism in society and prompt calls for more robust educational initiatives.

Businesses and jobs

Clubs and organisations within the football sector may face pressure to enhance their policies on discrimination and to ensure a safe environment for all players. This can lead to increased scrutiny of hiring practices and the implementation of diversity training programs.

Policy and regulation

With this incident, there may be renewed discussions within the Premier League and other governing bodies about implementing stricter policies against hate speech and racism in football. This could lead to more comprehensive regulations on social media platforms regarding the handling of abusive content.

Numbers that matter

61: Total appearances made by Hannibal Mejbri for Burnley across all competitions.
9: The number of games Preston North End’s Osmajic was banned for after abusing Mejbri.
£21,000: The fine issued to Osmajic for the racially motivated incident against Mejbri.

Definitions and jargon buster

Racism: Discrimination or prejudice against individuals based on their race or ethnicity.
Zero-tolerance policy: An approach where any form of unacceptable behaviour, such as discrimination, is not tolerated and dealt with swiftly.
Meta: The parent company of social media platforms including Facebook and Instagram.

How to think about the next steps

Near term (0–4 weeks)

In the immediate future, Burnley FC and other clubs are likely to continue advocating for stronger measures against racism. Fans and players may also engage in solidarity actions to support Mejbri and raise awareness of the issue.

Medium term (1–6 months)

Over the medium term, we may see increased pressure on social media platforms to enhance their policies and systems for reporting and managing hate speech. Additionally, clubs could implement further training and educational programs to combat racism within their organisations.

Signals to watch

Changes in policies from the Premier League regarding racism and discrimination.
Responses from Meta concerning the handling of abusive content.
Any follow-up actions taken by Burnley FC and other clubs in reaction to this incident.

Practical guidance

Do

Report any instances of online abuse to the relevant social media platforms.
Support initiatives aimed at educating on racism and discrimination.
Engage in constructive conversations about racism within your community.

Don’t

Ignore incidents of racism, whether in sports or daily life.
Contribute to online hate by engaging with or sharing abusive content.
Assume that racism is a problem of the past; it remains an ongoing issue.

Checklist

Stay informed about the latest developments regarding racism in sports.
Participate in local events or discussions focused on combating discrimination.
Encourage others to educate themselves about racism and its impacts.
Monitor social media for any abusive content and report it promptly.
Support campaigns that advocate for diversity and inclusion.

Risks, caveats, and uncertainties

While Burnley FC has taken a strong stance against racism, there are uncertainties regarding how effective social media platforms will be in addressing hate speech moving forward. The response from Meta and law enforcement is yet to be fully detailed, and there is ongoing debate about whether current measures are sufficient to combat the scale of online abuse.

Bottom line

The recent racist abuse directed at Hannibal Mejbri serves as a stark reminder that racism remains a pressing issue in society, particularly in sports. Burnley FC's swift response highlights the importance of collective action against discrimination, but it also underscores the need for continued vigilance and education on these matters.

FAQs

What action has Burnley FC taken regarding the abuse towards Hannibal Mejbri?

Burnley FC condemned the abuse, reported it to the police and Meta, and pledged full support for Mejbri in addressing the incident.

How does the public react to racism in football?

Public reactions often include widespread condemnation from fans, players, and clubs, highlighting a collective desire to eradicate racism from the sport.

What can individuals do to combat online racism?

Individuals can report abusive content, engage in discussions about racism, and support educational initiatives aimed at raising awareness and promoting inclusion.