Suriname goalkeeper Vaessen heavily punished for role in altercation against Guatemala

Groningen goalkeeper Vaessen banned for four matches for his role in post-match altercation during Suriname's Nations League game against Guatemala.

FC Groningen goalkeeper Etienne Vaessen has been suspended for four matches by CONCACAF following his involvement in an altercation after Suriname's Nations League match against Guatemala earlier this month. The incident occurred in the aftermath of the game, which was marred by discriminatory chanting directed at Suriname's players.

Vaessen received three match bans for his role in the confrontation, with an additional one-match suspension for unsporting conduct toward the crowd. Guatemala's Jonathan Franco and Carlos Estrada were each banned for three matches for their involvement, while staff member Jonny Gambier received a three-match suspension. Guatemala was also fined by CONCACAF, and must close 25 percent of its stadium capacity for its next match. The Guatemalan federation has been ordered to develop a plan to prevent discrimination at future matches.

Suriname was eliminated from the Nations League following the loss to Guatemala. The specific matches Vaessen will miss have not yet been confirmed, though the Nations League resumes in November with the quarter-finals.