Saint-Maximin on speaking out after his children were racially abused

Allan Saint-Maximin could have stayed quiet.But the French winger felt it was "important to step up" and speak out after his children were racially abused this year."Whatever your colour is, you don't have to accept this," he tells BBC Sport.Saint-Maximin made it clear on Instagram in January that "hatred and discrimination have no place in our society".The lengthy post was liked by more than 159,000 people, including former Newcastle United team-mates Kieran Trippier and Joelinton.The father of four has not gone into specifics.However, before returning to his homeland to play for Lens, he said "some stuff happened with my kids in the school" during his spell at Mexican side Club America."I explained to the kids what happened was not normal and they knew already," he says. "They were not really happy about that."I was a bit sad about my son, but in every place there is these type of things, even in France, the country where I am from. As I said to them, it's something they don't have to accept."After, when we moved to Lens, it was good but you see some stuff and you are like, 'in every place, there are some things different or some things you are not going to like'."If you are waiting for the perfect place, you are wrong."Club America issued a statement expressing "absolute solidarity" with Saint-Maximin and his family, who had the "support of everyone who is part of this institution".His team-mates held up a 'No to racism' banner before their game against Necaxa."It was not the fault of Club America," Saint-Maximin says. "I have nothing against them, the players or the Mexican people. I love the club. It was one of the best places I've been with my family."It's just some random people say some stuff and try to attack your family. You never really know who they support or why they do this, but when this affects your kids there are not many choices to take."It was a difficult choice for me and my family, but I take my responsibility because I always say I will never accept stuff like this."It was important to show to people, especially in my situation, that I can lose a lot of things, but I will never accept this."Saint-Maximin joined Lens on a short-term deal in the second half of last season.He played his part in Lens winning the French Cup for the first time in their 120-year history and finishing second in Ligue 1.Saint-Maximin had a number of offers in the summer, but decided to move to Major League Soccer side Charlotte."My family have always followed me to every single place," he says. "So this time was more of a family choice."It was a way for me to give back what they have given to me since I started my career."Saint-Maximin has linked up with former Aston Villa manager Dean Smith, a "straightforward guy" who is going to "tell you the truth straight away".One of the club's two 'designated players',, external Saint-Maximin has set out to create a legacy under Smith and help those around him improve.He also wants to entertain Charlotte supporters."To see some robot play doesn't make sense to me," the 29-year-old says.Saint-Maximin is clearly anything but robotic.The maverick proved something of a cult figure as Newcastle fought to stay in the Premier League for much of his time at the club.Saint-Maximin also sampled the highs as a resurgent Newcastle qualified for the Champions League in his final campaign on Tyneside in 2023.But he was only too aware that staff "could lose their jobs" if they went down."When you feel that opportunity, that feeling on your shoulder, you are like, 'this is heavy'," he says.Saint-Maximin embraced that responsibility after quickly striking up a bond with Newcastle supporters following his move from Nice.He volunteered at the city's foodbank and even gave fans gifts, including Rolex watches."If I was able to give all of my money to them, I would because there is nothing better than the feeling they give you," he adds. "It's something you can't buy, and I've tried to."The love they give to you, when I ran with the ball, I had the feeling of people behind me and I ran because of them."This feeling is incredible. I wish the same for every single player because they can bring the best out of you."Saint-Maximin spent four years at Newcastle - the longest stint in his nomadic career - before joining Saudi Pro League side Al-Ahli.He worked with Newcastle's current head coach, Matthias Jaissle, who took over from Eddie Howe this summer.Saint-Maximin hopes the German and his staff "have the best possible time" at St James' Park - just as he did."Newcastle is my dream club," he says. "I love it from the bottom of my heart. I watch every single game."They gave me what no-one gave to me and I'll never forget that. I'm very loyal. I had many opportunities to come to the Premier League, but I didn't because of them."