Allan Saint-Maximin has left Mexican side Club America after a racist incident involving his children.
The former Newcastle United winger signed a two-year contract at the Mexico City-based Liga MX club last August and had made 15 appearances before confirmation of his sudden departure on Saturday.
Neither the 28-year-old Frenchman nor Club America went into detail about the incident, but both acknowledged racism as being behind his decision.
Club America head coach Andre Jardine also confirmed in a press conference yesterday that “an act of racism occurred against his (Saint-Maximin’s) daughters” and added that this “has happened multiple times”.
Jardine said: “It is something we will not tolerate, and we condemn it.”
News of the winger’s exit came after Club America defeated Necaxa 2-0 on Saturday in the fourth round of the Clausura tournament, for which he was not part of their squad.
Saint-Maximin has been living in Mexico with his wife and their three children: daughters Lyana and Ninhia, and son Djayden.
“The problem is not skin colour, it’s the colour of people’s thoughts,” Saint-Maximin wrote on his Instagram stories. “People attack me, but that’s not a problem. I’ve grown up and learned to fight back against attacks, whether they’re subtle, hidden or direct. But there’s one thing I will never tolerate, and that’s people attacking my children.”
He continued: “Protecting my children is my priority, and I will fight with all my strength to ensure that they are respected and loved, regardless of their origins or skin colour. Hatred and discrimination have no place in our society.
“I want people to understand that every human being is unique and precious, and that we must treat each other with respect and dignity. I want my children to grow up in a world where they can be themselves and where they do not have to endure absurd and meaningless behaviour that serves only to destroy and divide.”
He added: “So, to those who dare to attack my children, I say this: you have made a mistake. I will always fight to protect my family, and no person or threat will ever scare me. The only person on this earth who scares me is God. You have a mouth now, so come and get me.”
Club America subsequently issued a statement in support of Saint-Maximin and his family.
“We reiterate our strong condemnation of any act of discrimination and/or violence that violates human dignity, both on and off the pitch,” the club said. “We express our absolute solidarity with Allan Saint-Maximin and his family, who have the support of everyone who is part of this institution.”
Saint-Maximin moved to Mexico last summer after a year on loan at Turkey’s Fenerbahce, which had followed one season with Saudi Arabian side Al Ahli, whom he joined from Newcastle in July 2023.
He spent four seasons at the Premier League club, scoring 13 goals across 124 appearances, after a transfer from Nice in his homeland.
