Etienne Vaessen has apologised for his behaviour during FC Groningen’s away match against AZ. The 31-year-old goalkeeper received his second yellow card in the closing stages on Sunday after an angry outburst towards referee Jannick van der Laan. Vaessen acknowledges that he has often struggled to keep his emotions under control and has therefore decided to seek professional guidance.
The goalkeeper responded extensively to the incident via Instagram. He said he was deeply disappointed in his own performance and its consequences for his club.
“I want to apologise. Once again, I failed to stay out of a situation I do not want to find myself in,” Vaessen wrote. “I deeply regret my behaviour on the pitch. In doing so, I harm the club, my teammates, staff members, employees and supporters of the club. And myself as well.”
Professional guidance to change behaviour
Vaessen acknowledges that it is not the first time he has been involved in an incident on the football field. The goalkeeper therefore wants to work on controlling his emotions with support from FC Groningen.
“I have to, want to and will work on this. With the help of the club, I will receive professional guidance. There will be ups and downs. I am a top athlete and have a role-model function, and then you must be able to control your emotions better,” Vaessen said.
With his decision, he hopes to prevent similar situations from recurring in the future.
No interviews for the time being
In order to focus fully on his performances and personal development, Vaessen has decided to step away from the media and social media for the time being.
“This is a process on which, alongside performing on the pitch, I want to give my full focus and attention. That is why I am going offline for the time being and will not give any interviews in the coming period either, and I hope you understand that.”
According to the goalkeeper, attention should return to his team’s performances. “It should not be about Etienne Vaessen now, but about FC Groningen.”
Suspension for Derby van het Noorden
The incident took place in the closing stages of the match against AZ, when FC Groningen conceded a penalty. Vaessen reacted angrily to referee Van der Laan’s decision and received his second yellow card for it, forcing him to leave the pitch.
Because he was sent off with two yellow cards, Vaessen will receive an automatic one-match suspension. As a result, he will miss the Derby van het Noorden against sc Heerenveen on Saturday, 21 November.
FC Groningen lost the high-scoring match in Alkmaar 4-3.
Previously suspended after incident against Ajax
Vaessen had previously come under scrutiny for his behaviour on the pitch. About a year and a half ago, he was involved in a scuffle after a match between FC Groningen and Ajax.
During that incident, he struck an assistant to then Ajax coach Francesco Farioli. This earned him a four-match suspension, one of which was suspended.
By engaging professional guidance, Vaessen says he wants to prevent his emotions from once again having negative consequences for his career and his team.
