French soccer federation sends support to Fofana after online racist abuse

PARIS: The French soccer federation has condemned the racist abuse directed at Chelsea defender Wesley Fofana after the Premier League team’s loss at Arsenal.
The governing body said Wednesday the online attacks “are unacceptable” and called for the abusers to be prosecuted and sanctioned.
“I want to assure Wesley of my full support,” federation president Philippe Diallo said. “On the pitch as elsewhere, racism is intolerable.

It must be fought and punished.”
Fofana, a 24-year-old Marseille native, used his Instagram stories to highlight the messages he was sent on the platform after Sunday’s 1-0 loss at Emirates Stadium. They included racist words and monkey emojis.
Chelsea said they were “appalled and disgusted” by the rise in online abuse toward their players.
Fofana started the match and was substituted after 86 minutes.