Allan Saint-Maximin has officially departed from Club America due to a distressing racist incident involving his daughters. The French winger, who joined the Liga MX club in August 2023 on a two-year contract, made 15 appearances in total before announcing his sudden exit.
Incident Sparks Departure from Club America
Details regarding the racist incident have not been fully disclosed. However, both Saint-Maximin and Club America acknowledged that racism played a significant role in his decision. Club America’s head coach, Andre Jardine, confirmed at a recent press conference that “an act of racism occurred against Saint-Maximin’s daughters” and noted that similar incidents had taken place multiple times.
Club Reaction
Following the revelation, Jardine emphasized the club’s zero-tolerance policy towards racism, stating, “It is something we will not tolerate, and we condemn it.” This statement came shortly after Club America secured a 2-0 victory against Necaxa, a match from which Saint-Maximin was absent.
Family and Social Impact
Saint-Maximin and his family have been residing in Mexico, where they have three children: daughters Lyana and Ninhia, and son Djayden. He passionately addressed the issue on social media, saying, “The problem is not skin colour; it’s the colour of people’s thoughts.” He expressed his commitment to protecting his children and ensuring they grow up in an environment free of hatred and discrimination.
- Key Points from Saint-Maximin’s Statement:
- Attacks on him are tolerable; attacks on his children are unacceptable.
- He prioritizes his children’s well-being and dignity.
- Promotes respect and the uniqueness of every individual.
Saint-Maximin’s public reaffirmation about family protection signifies a profound stand against societal hatred. He concluded with a firm message to those who would target his family, asserting his unwavering resolve to safeguard them.
Club America’s Support
In response to the incident, Club America issued a statement expressing solidarity with Saint-Maximin and condemning all forms of discrimination. The organization reiterated its commitment to uphold human dignity, both on and off the field.
Career Overview
Before his move to Club America, Saint-Maximin had an eventful career. He played for Newcastle United for four seasons, scoring 13 goals in 124 appearances. His career also includes a stint with Saudi Arabian club Al Ahli and a loan to Turkish club Fenerbahce before arriving in Mexico.
Saint-Maximin’s departure highlights the critical issue of racism in sports and the impact it has on individuals and families. His stance serves as a reminder of the ongoing fight against discrimination in our society.
