Racism in football: Tolu Arokodare and Romaine Mundle receive abuse on social media
On Saturday, French Fofana wrote: “2026, still the same, nothing changes. These people are never fined.”
“You have big campaigns against racism but nobody actually does anything.”
Tunisian international Mejbri, 23, called on people to “educate yourselves and your children”.
These latest cases of racist abuse against players come after allegations of racist abuse against Real Madrid striker Vinicius Jr. during last week’s Champions League qualifying round play-off match in Benfica, which were investigated by UEFA.
Anti-discrimination group Kick It Out said in a statement earlier on Sunday: “Players are speaking out against discrimination and we have had record reports of Kick It Out from across football this season, but we are also aware of the frustration that this continues to grow online.
“Words matter, but actions matter more. Football is working with the UK Football Policing Unit and Ofcom to address this issue, but social media companies need to do more to provide protection for players and help increase accountability when incidents occur.
“Those facing this disgusting abuse should always be the priority.”
Responding to the Fofana and Mejbri abuse, a spokesperson for Meta told BBC Sport: “No one should be subjected to racist abuse and we remove this content when we find it.
“Nothing will stop racist behavior overnight, but we will continue to work to protect our community from abuse and cooperate with police investigations.”
Last November, a BBC investigation revealed that more than 2,000 extremely abusive social media posts, including death and rape threats, were sent about managers and players in the Premier League and Women’s Super League in a single weekend.
The opening match of the season between Liverpool and Bournemouth last August was stopped in the first half after then-Cherries forward Antoine Semenyo reported being racially abused by an Anfield fan.
A Liverpool man has denied harassment and his trial is scheduled for April.
In January, Newcastle United said they had contacted police after midfielder Joe Willock was subjected to “disgusting” racist abuse and “deeply disturbing threats” on social media.
Tottenham forward Mathys Tel was subjected to racist abuse on social media after he was one of two Spurs players defeated in the Super Cup penalty shoot-out against Paris St-Germain in August.
England defender Jess Carter was another target of racist abuse at Euro 2025 in July.
After the Euro 2020 final, in which the Three Lions lost to Italy in a penalty shoot-out, England national team players Marcus Rashford, Jadon Sancho and Bukayo Saka were also subjected to racism.
