Etienne Vaessen accuses Guatemalan officials of racism

Etienne Vaessen, goalkeeper of FC Groningen, has published via the club website an extensive statement about the events during and after the Nations League match between Guatemala and Suriname, which ended in a 1‑0 victory for the home side. The match took place on Monday evening, after which Vaessen accuses Guatemalan players and officials of racism and talks about a fist fight and an obscene gesture.

Flame in the pan and match progression

During the night from Monday to Tuesday a flame broke out in the pan during the Guatemala‑Suriname match. The home team won in the closing stages 1‑0. Richonell Margaret was sent off the field by the referee.

Directly after the final whistle, reactions poured onto social media. Vaessen reported that he became involved in a fist fight with several Guatemalan players and officials. He also made an obscene gesture to the crowd as he left the field.

In his statement on the FC Groningen website he wrote: “I should have been sensible and walked away. But I stood up for my teammates and that, in my view, is very human.” He added that “as a person you are vulnerable when injustice is done and when it is not addressed.”

Racism, apologies and escalation

According to Vaessen, the players and staff of both countries had agreed to walk off the field immediately in case of racism, and there was even talk of cancelling the match. The Guatemalan players had already offered apologies during the game for the behaviour of their fans. When the home team scored the winning goal in injury time, the atmosphere changed abruptly.

Vaessen quoted the opponents: “They scored the winning goal just before time and after the final whistle they went on to thank the crowd at length, and when we tried to respond, they called us a ‘shit country’ and a push‑and‑pull ensued.” He stated: “We were provoked from the first minute and the most terrible racist things were shouted at us. It was as if we were playing football in a cage from which we could not escape.”

The goalkeeper concluded by saying he is happy to be back at Groningen. Next Sunday the away match against Excelsior in Rotterdam is on the agenda.