Premier League ‘Appalled’ by Racist Abuse Directed at Chelsea’s Fofana 

Football - Premier League - Chelsea v Leicester City - Stamford Bridge, London, Britain - March 9, 2025 Chelsea's Wesley Fofana arrives at the stadium before the match. (Reuters)
Football - Premier League - Chelsea v Leicester City - Stamford Bridge, London, Britain - March 9, 2025 Chelsea's Wesley Fofana arrives at the stadium before the match. (Reuters)
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Premier League ‘Appalled’ by Racist Abuse Directed at Chelsea’s Fofana 

Football - Premier League - Chelsea v Leicester City - Stamford Bridge, London, Britain - March 9, 2025 Chelsea's Wesley Fofana arrives at the stadium before the match. (Reuters)
Football - Premier League - Chelsea v Leicester City - Stamford Bridge, London, Britain - March 9, 2025 Chelsea's Wesley Fofana arrives at the stadium before the match. (Reuters)

The Premier League said it was appalled by the racial abuse suffered by Chelsea center back Wesley Fofana on social media after his side's 1-0 defeat by Arsenal on Sunday.

The 24-year-old France international posted on his Instagram story the screenshots of racist messages he received and said "stupidity and cruelty can no longer hide".

"The Premier League is appalled by the abuse suffered by Chelsea's Wesley Fofana after their match against Arsenal. We will offer our full support to Wesley and the club," the Premier League said in a statement.

"We work with the social media platforms and the authorities to ensure any individuals found guilty of abuse face the strongest possible consequences."

Fofana said on Monday that social media platforms had to take steps to prevent abuse.

"It's not just football; it's not just a 'game' when some believe that their skin color makes them superior to others." he added. "It's time for things to change, for platforms to take action, and everyone to take responsibility."

Chelsea said they were disgusted by the "recent rise in online racial abuse towards our players" and that the abuse would not be tolerated.



Brazil’s Alisson to Return to Liverpool after Head Injury against Colombia

 Brazil's goalkeeper #01 Alisson gives instructions during the 2026 FIFA World Cup South American qualifiers football match between Brazil and Colombia, at the Mane Garrincha stadium in Brasilia, on March 20, 2025. (AFP)
Brazil's goalkeeper #01 Alisson gives instructions during the 2026 FIFA World Cup South American qualifiers football match between Brazil and Colombia, at the Mane Garrincha stadium in Brasilia, on March 20, 2025. (AFP)
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Brazil’s Alisson to Return to Liverpool after Head Injury against Colombia

 Brazil's goalkeeper #01 Alisson gives instructions during the 2026 FIFA World Cup South American qualifiers football match between Brazil and Colombia, at the Mane Garrincha stadium in Brasilia, on March 20, 2025. (AFP)
Brazil's goalkeeper #01 Alisson gives instructions during the 2026 FIFA World Cup South American qualifiers football match between Brazil and Colombia, at the Mane Garrincha stadium in Brasilia, on March 20, 2025. (AFP)

Brazil goalkeeper Alisson, who was forced off the field after a clash of heads during Thursday's 2-1 win over Colombia in a World Cup qualifier, has left the national team and will return to his club Liverpool, the Premier League side said on Friday.

Alisson and Colombia defender Davinson Sanchez both collapsed after clashing heads during the second half. Medical staff rushed onto the pitch to treat them, before both players were substituted.

Media reports said Alisson, 32, was taken off as a precaution after feeling dizzy following the injury.

"Alisson is travelling back to Merseyside and will undergo assessment from the Reds' medical staff," Liverpool said in a statement.

Alisson later played down fears of a serious injury.

"Hey guys, just to let you know I'm fine! Just have to follow the protocols! Thanks for the messages," he posted on his Instagram story.

Brazil are second in the table in the CONMEBOL World Cup qualifiers, with the top six set to directly qualify for the next year's finals.

Liverpool, who have a 12-point lead at the top of the Premier League standings, host Everton on April 2.