Guatemalan media call for Etienne Vaessen suspension after Suriname defeat

Guatemalan media have urged Concacaf to consider disciplinary action against Etienne Vaessen after Suriname’s 1-0 Nations League defeat by Guatemala. According to Voetbalzone, footage from after the match appears to show the FC Groningen goalkeeper making an obscene gesture towards supporters.

Matthew Evans scored the decisive goal with a long-range effort in the 96th minute. The result eliminated Suriname from the tournament at the quarter-final stage, following a goalless meeting between the countries the previous week.

Tensions had already risen during the return fixture. Suriname’s Richonell Margaret was sent off after what Voetbalzone described as a reaction to suspected racism, while Vaessen later became involved in a heated confrontation after the final whistle. The goalkeeper was subsequently filmed gesturing towards the crowd.

Guatemalan outlet La Red 106.1 said Concacaf could review the images and potentially impose a sanction, describing Vaessen’s conduct as “a punishable action”. Prensa Libre also criticised the goalkeeper, alleging that he had provoked spectators during the match by repeatedly delaying goal-kicks. No decision or disciplinary charge from Concacaf was reported.