Groningen backs Vaessen after racist outburst in CONCACAF duel

Etienne Vaessen, goalkeeper of FC Groningen, responds to the racist outburst during the CONCACAF Nations League‑match between Suriname and Guatemala, while his club publicly stands behind him and focuses on the upcoming league duel against Excelsior. He describes how the situation escalated after Guatemala’s winning goal and emphasizes the need to continue fighting racism.

Racism during Suriname‑Guatemala duel

FIFA confirmed that racist behaviour occurred in the stadium during the match. FIFA president Gianni Infantino stated: “The racism directed at the Suriname players during the match in Guatemala is utterly unacceptable.” Brian Tevreden, general director of the Surinamese federation, came to the pen to defend his players, in particular Richonell Margaret, who received a red card after he reacted to the racist chants from the crowd.

After the red card, the Surinamese team considered leaving the field, but the match continued. The incidents were widely discussed and led to an official confirmation of the racist expressions by the world football governing body.

FC Groningen supports Vaessen

On FC Groningen’s website, goalkeeper Vaessen indicated that leaving the match was considered after Margaret received the red card. He emphasized that the Guatemalan players had also apologized and that arrangements had been made to go straight inside after the final whistle without fan support, regardless of the result.

The club fully stood behind Vaessen and condemned the incidents. In a statement it was made clear that the club is closely monitoring the situation and continues to commit itself to fighting every form of discrimination.

Etienne Vaessen accuses Guatemalan officials of racism

What actually happened

Despite the arrangements, Guatemala scored a winning goal just before time. Directly after the final whistle the Guatemalan players thanked the crowd, after which they called Suriname a “shit country”. This led to a push‑and‑pull situation between the two teams.

Vaessen admitted that he should have restrained himself better and that he should have walked away, but he stayed for his teammates. He described the feeling as “a cage in which we could not escape” and emphasized the human vulnerability when injustice is committed.

The late winning goal also meant Suriname’s elimination from the CONCACAF Nations League stage. The defeat was made even more bitter by the aftermath of the racist incidents.

Vaessen is now back in the Netherlands and, with FC Groningen, is focusing on the upcoming league match against Excelsior. He stated: “We will focus on the duel and together take up the fight against racism, because apparently this is still necessary in these times.”

The contrast between the official arrangements and the actual outcome underscores that racism remains a persistent problem in international football, and that both clubs and federations must remain vigilant to prevent such incidents.