February 3 – Club America will start their Champions Cup campaign without star French striker Allan Saint-Maximin.
Having only arrived at the club last August in a $10 million deal, he has walked out two days after revealing his children had been targeted by racist attacks.
Club America head coach Andre Jardine told a press conference “an act of racism occurred against his daughters”, adding that this “has happened multiple times”.
“It is something we will not tolerate, and we condemn it,” said Jardine.
The club have supported Saint-Maximin’s decision to leave but it comes at just the wrong time as the start of their season has struggled to ignite and with the all-important Concacaf Champions Cup kicking off tonight with Club America away to Forge FC of the Canadian Premier League. A Champions Cup top spot qualifies for the next FIFA Club World Cup.
After four games in LigaMX, America are on five points and lie in 9th place in the 18-team league, outside the play-off positions, though it is early days.
Saint-Maximin’s exit came as Club America defeated Necaxa 2-0 on in the fourth round of the Clausura tournament. He was not part of their squad. Yesterday Lens, who are second in France’s Ligue 1, announced his arrival as a free agent.
“The problem is not skin colour, it is the colour of thoughts. People attack me, but that’s not a problem. I grew up learning to fight back against attacks, whether they are subtle, hidden or direct,” Saint-Maximin wrote on Instagram.
“But there is one thing I will never tolerate, and that is people attacking my children. Protecting my children is my priority. I will fight with all my strength to ensure that they are respected and loved, regardless of their origins or skin colour.
“So, to those who dared to attack my children, I say this: you made a mistake. I will always fight to protect my family and no person or threat will ever scare me.”
For the team Jardine said it was a “real shame” to lose a player of Saint-Maximin’s quality.
“He’s a great player and we have to try to find a way to replace him,” Jardine.
The club addressed the issue of racism in a statement saying: “We reiterate our strong condemnation of any act of discrimination and/or violence that violates human dignity, both on and off the field.
“We express our absolute solidarity with Allan Saint-Maximin and his family, who have the support of everyone who is part of this institution.
“Let’s say No to Racism! and promote respect, inclusion and the values that society requires.”
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