Reims, France (AP) — French club Reims is furious over racist abuse of player Allan Saint-Maximin, whose career in Mexico’s top flight ended after a previous racist incident involving children.
Saint-Maximin, who is black, joined Reims on a six-month contract in the winter transfer window. He left Club America in Mexico, claiming that his children were victims of racist abuse in Mexico.
Lens said on Tuesday that Saint-Maximin had been the victim of a “flood of hatred and racist insults” on social media.
“As a result of this, the club has been forced to close the comments section of certain posts and will continue to take all necessary steps to ensure our social media platforms are safe and respectful spaces for expression,” Lenz added. “As a civic-minded and committed club, Racing reaffirms its commitment to the values of respect and tolerance and stands by Alan and his loved ones and offers our full support.
Saint-Maximin said last week that her family had been targeted and her priority was to protect her children.
“It’s not the color of my skin that matters, it’s the color of my thoughts. I’ve been attacked, but that’s not the problem. I’ve grown up and learned to fight attacks. But there’s one thing I will never tolerate: attacks on children,” Saint-Maximin posted on his social media last week.
The 28-year-old winger made his first league appearance for Club America after appearing in just 16 league games. 2 year contract He signed last August.
Neither he nor Club America would discuss the details of the incident.
Saint-Maximin played for Fenerbahce in Turkey for one year before moving to Mexico, where he played on loan from Saudi Arabia’s Al Ahly. He traveled with his wife and three children. Daughters Liana and Ninhia, and son Deide.
“To those who dared to go after my children, let me say this: You made a mistake,” Saint-Maximin said. “I will always fight to protect my family. No one or any threat can scare me. The only thing I fear on this earth is God.”
Saint-Maximin is a former French youth international who played for Saint-Etienne, Monaco and Nice before spending four seasons with Newcastle in the Premier League.
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