Vaessen banned four matches for role in brawl after racism incident

FC Groningen keeper Vaessen banned for four Suriname internationals after involvement in post-match brawl triggered by racist abuse from Guatemala supporters.

Etienne Vaessen, goalkeeper for FC Groningen, has been suspended for four international matches by CONCACAF following his involvement in a brawl after Suriname's Nations League fixture against Guatemala. The incident erupted after the final whistle when Surinamese players were subjected to racist chanting from the home crowd. Video footage showed Vaessen engaging in a physical altercation with Guatemalan players, during which he was struck multiple times before teammates intervened. He was also sanctioned for making an obscene gesture toward supporters as he left the pitch.

Vaessen's suspension comprises three matches for his role in the fight and one additional game for unsporting conduct. Guatemala also faced punishment, with the CONCACAF imposing multiple fines and suspending players Jonathan Franco and Carlos Estrada for three matches each. Suriname's general director Brian Tevreden later stated the team should have walked off the pitch in protest at the racism, a view echoed by FIFA president Gianni Infantino and Suriname coach Henk Fraser.