Suriname alleges racist abuse after Nations League elimination in Guatemala

Suriname have alleged that players were subjected to racist abuse during a heated Nations League match in Guatemala, where a late goal ended their hopes of reaching the quarter-finals. Go Ahead Eagles attacker Richonell Margaret was dismissed after an hour, leaving Henk Fraser’s side with ten men.

Margaret later shared screenshots of racist messages and said he and his team-mates had heard monkey noises from the crowd. “Do we just have to keep accepting that?” he wrote on Instagram, as reported by De Telegraaf. The outlet said footage did not clearly establish what was said or what immediately preceded the red card, although Margaret was seen spitting towards the stands as he left the pitch.

Matthew Evans struck in the 96th minute to send Guatemala through at Suriname’s expense. Another confrontation followed on the field, with FC Groningen goalkeeper Etienne Vaessen among those involved. Police entered the playing area to restore order, while no further red cards were officially shown.

Surinamese football federation general director Brian Tevreden said the match had not been stopped and claimed Concacaf’s anti-discrimination protocol was not used. He argued that Margaret had been punished after responding to racism while those responsible for the alleged abuse faced no sanction. De Telegraaf added that Concacaf and FIFA could still examine the post-match incidents and consider disciplinary action.