Vaessen involved in confrontation after Suriname’s late defeat in Guatemala

Etienne Vaessen was involved in a heated confrontation after Suriname suffered a 1-0 defeat away to Guatemala and missed out on the CONCACAF Nations League quarter-finals. Suriname had needed only a draw to advance, but Matthew Evans scored from distance in the 96th minute, sending Guatemala and Jamaica through instead.

Suriname had been reduced to ten men after half-time substitute Richonell Margaret was shown a red card around the hour mark. Voetbalzone reported that the Go Ahead Eagles attacker was dismissed following an apparent exchange with Guatemala’s Nicolás Samayoa near the touchline.

Tensions continued after the final whistle. Footage circulating on social media appears to show FC Groningen goalkeeper Vaessen running towards a large group of players and officials during a mass confrontation. FCUpdate reported that he seemed to throw punches before ending up on the ground. The 31-year-old was also filmed making an obscene gesture towards the home crowd while leaving the pitch.

Brian Tevreden, general and football director of the Surinamese football association, subsequently alleged that Suriname’s players had been subjected to monkey noises from the stands throughout the match. He said play was not stopped and claimed CONCACAF’s anti-discrimination protocol was not applied. Tevreden also argued that Margaret was punished after responding to the alleged abuse and called on CONCACAF and FIFA to act. Vaessen shared the statement on Instagram Stories, adding: “Again and again...”