Worrying Allan Saint-Maximin scenes as former Newcastle United star leaves pitch on a stretcher

Former Newcastle United star Allan Saint-Maximin was stretchered off during Al Ahli’s 3-1 win over Al Wehda on Saturday evening.

The Frenchman was recalled to the starting XI after missing the previous game against Al Ittihad because of a knock. Saint-Maximin opened the scoring on the brink of half-time, while former Roma defender Roger Ibanez and ex-Manchester City star Riyad Mahrez were also on the scoresheet.

However, Saint-Maximin’s comeback was slightly overshadowed by a nasty-looking injury. He immediately clutched his lower right leg following a tackle before leaving the pitch on a stretcher. A video later emerged of the 26-year-old limping away from the stadium on Saturday.

Thankfully, the injury is not as bad as first feared. Al Ahli have since confirmed that Saint-Maximin has sustained minor ligament damage to his foot.

Saint-Maximin has made nine appearances for Al Ahli since joining from Newcastle in the summer. Despite his exit, he remains a popular figure at St James’ Park, where he made 124 appearances and scored 13 goals across a four-year spell.

When issuing an emotional goodbye message, Saint-Maximin vowed to continue being the Magpies’ biggest supporter.

“4 years ago, I wore the Newcastle jersey for the first time. At that moment, I hadn’t realized that not only was I about to become a Newcastle player, but I was also about to become a Geordie,” the 26-year-old wrote.

“You might think « nice Goodbye message » but the sentiment runs deeper than any words I could say, from the very first months that I met the people of this city, I truly understood them and embraced their unwavering passion, which is why it was so important for me to give my all and if this meant to play injured or even not making statistics, I didn’t give a ---- as long as it would help my team.

“Believe me, I fell for Newcastle, I had great opportunities to leave during dark days, but that was too late I was already in love, I wanted, I needed, I had to stay for helping my team to save the club from Premier League relegation because it meant the world for me.

“Of course during those dark days some may have had their doubts, but I always believed in this club and look where we are today, it’s just so beautiful. I’m leaving Newcastle as it should always have been and that’s my greatest trophy because I was a part of it.

“A deep thank you to ALL of you, my teammates, the loyal fans, the staff, the Club, etc… I’ve seen all your messages, thank you and even though this chapter has ended, the story never stops. Newcastle is home now, I’ll continue to be your biggest supporter, I’ll watch every game and as long as the club keeps winning I’ll be the happiest man in the world… and for sure you will see me again 👀

“I love you, I love you sincerely, I love you like a Geordie brother. Once a Geordie, always a Geordie 🖤🤍”