Lens condemns racist remarks aimed at Allan Saint-Maximin in signing video comments.

Ligue 1 club Lens has issued a statement supporting their new acquisition Allan Saint-Maximin following racist remarks made in response to his signing announcement.

Saint-Maximin joined Lens on transfer deadline day as a free agent after departing Mexican team Club America, where he claimed that racist comments were directed at his daughters.

The 28-year-old had only recently signed with Club America in the summer, where he made 16 appearances in Liga MX and netted three goals.

This marks his return to Ligue 1 for the first time since leaving Nice in 2019 to move to Newcastle.

Lens condemned the remarks made on their social media and has disabled the comments feature on the announcement video, which features a reference to the well-known Looney Tunes character Roadrunner.

The statement expressed: “Racing Club de Lens is appalled and firmly denounces the surge of hateful comments and racist insults aimed at its new player, Allan Saint-Maximin, on social media.

“In light of this, the club has had to disable the comments section on certain posts and will persist in taking all necessary actions to ensure that its social media platforms remain safe and respectful environments for expression.

“As a socially responsible and dedicated club, Racing reaffirms its dedication to the principles of respect and tolerance and stands with Allan and his family, offering them its full support.”

Saint-Maximin himself addressed the issue on Instagram the day prior to joining Lens, criticizing those who targeted his two daughters.

He stated: “The issue is not skin color, but the color of thoughts. People may attack me, but that does not concern me.

“I have been raised to stand up against attacks, whether they are subtle, concealed, or overt.

“However, one thing I will never accept is individuals attacking my children.

“Protecting my children is my top priority, and I will fight with all my strength to ensure they are respected and cherished, irrespective of their background or skin color.

“So, to those who dared to target my children, I say this: you have made a mistake. I will always strive to protect my family, and no individual or threat will ever intimidate me.”