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Lens have condemned the racist abuse aimed at new signing Allan Saint-Maximin after a previous racist incident involving the former Newcastle winger’s children ended his career in Mexico’s top flight.
Saint-Maximin joined Lens on a six-month deal during the winter transfer window. He left Mexican side Club América, saying his children were the victims of racist abuse there.
Lens said on Tuesday that Saint-Maximin was at the receiving end of a “flood of hateful and racist insults” on social media. “In response, the club has been forced to close the comment sections on certain posts and will continue to take all necessary measures to make its social media platforms safe and respectful spaces for expression.
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“As a civic-minded and committed club, Racing reaffirms its attachment to the values of respect and tolerance, and stands alongside Allan and his loved ones, offering its full support.”
Saint-Maximin said last week his family was targeted and that protecting his children was his priority. “The problem is not the colour of skin, it’s the colour of thoughts,” he wrote on social media. “I am being attacked, that’s not a problem. I have grown up, I have learned to fight against attacks. But there is one thing I will never tolerate, and that is attacks on my children.”
The 28-year-old winger played 16 league matches with Club América and was in the first of a two-year contract signed last August. Neither he nor Club América went into specifics about the attack on his children.
Saint-Maximin moved to Mexico after a one-year stint with Fenerbahce, who he joined on loan from Saudi Arabia’s Al-Ahli. The Frenchman travelled to Mexico with his wife and his three children: two daughters named Lyana and Ninhia and a son named Dayde.
“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, and there is no person and no threat that will ever frighten me. The only one I fear on this earth is God.”
Saint-Maximin is a former France youth international and has played for Saint-Étienne, Monaco, Nice and spent four seasons at Newcastle.
