Saint-Maximin, who is Black, joined Lens on a six-month contract during the winter transfer window after leaving Mexican side Club America. The player cited racist abuse aimed at his children as the reason for his departure from the club, an incident that was widely reported but not detailed by either Saint-Maximin or Club America.
On Tuesday, Lens said the France-born winger had been subjected to 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,” Lens said. “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, who spoke publicly about the abuse last week, emphasized that the attacks on his children were unacceptable.
“The problem is not the color of skin, it’s the color of thoughts,” he wrote. “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 just 16 league matches for Club America and was in the first year of a two-year contract signed in August. Neither he nor the club provided specifics about the racist incident.
Saint-Maximin arrived in Mexico after a loan spell at Turkey’s Fenerbahce from Saudi Arabia’s Al-Ahli. He relocated with his wife and three children—daughters Lyana and Ninhia, and son 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.”
The winger, a former France youth international, has previously played for Saint-Etienne, Monaco, Nice, and spent four seasons with Newcastle United in the Premier League.