Vaessen explains Suriname confrontation before Groningen return

FC Groningen goalkeeper Etienne Vaessen has explained the confrontation that followed Suriname’s defeat in Guatemala, saying emotions escalated after alleged racist abuse from the crowd. FIFA president Gianni Infantino described the racism directed at Suriname’s players as “completely unacceptable”.

Suriname’s Richonell Margaret was sent off after responding to the alleged abuse. Vaessen said the team considered abandoning the match at that point, but the players continued after Guatemala’s squad apologised. According to the goalkeeper, both teams also agreed they would head straight inside at full-time rather than acknowledge the crowd, regardless of the result.

However, Vaessen said Guatemala’s players went over to their supporters after scoring a late winner. When Suriname challenged them over the earlier agreement, he alleged that their opponents called Suriname a “shit country”, after which pushing and shoving broke out. Vaessen acknowledged that he and his team-mates should have walked away, but said he had reacted while defending his colleagues in the face of injustice.

The late goal also eliminated Suriname. Vaessen has since returned to the Netherlands and is preparing with Groningen for their forthcoming Eredivisie fixture against Excelsior. He said the club would focus on the match while also taking a collective stand against racism, which he described as an issue that remains a cause for concern.