Etienne Vaessen has spoken out about the racist remarks that, according to him, the Surinamese national team faced during the match against Guatemala. In a statement from FC Groningen, the goalkeeper describes the situation and acknowledges that he should have kept himself under control afterwards.
“We were provoked from the very first minute and the most terrible racist things were shouted at us,” Vaessen says. “It was as if we were playing football in a cage from which we could not escape.”
According to the goalkeeper, the situation escalated during the match. Richonell Margaret received a red card after, according to Vaessen, responding to remarks from the stands. The Surinamese players then considered leaving the pitch.
“We considered stopping and going inside. The Guatemala players also apologised to us and we agreed with each other that both teams, regardless of the result, would go straight inside afterwards without thanking the crowd.”
Confrontation afterwards
According to Vaessen, the Guatemala players did not keep that agreement. After Guatemala scored the winning goal in the 96th minute, they still thanked the crowd.
“When we went to confront them, they called us a ‘shit country’ and pushing and shoving broke out,” the goalkeeper said.
Vaessen acknowledges that he and his teammates should have kept themselves under control. “We should have controlled ourselves and stayed away from this situation, but unfortunately we did not succeed. Yes, and I too should have been sensible and walked away.”
At the same time, he explains why he responded. “But I stood up for my teammates and I think that is very human. As a person, you are vulnerable when injustice is done and no action is taken against it.”
Focus on FC Groningen
The goalkeeper is now focusing again on his club and the match against Excelsior. He also stresses that the fight against racism continues to require attention.
“I am happy to be back in Groningen, with my team. We will focus on the match against Excelsior and fight racism together, because apparently this is still necessary in this day and age and we should be concerned about that.” FC Groningen stands behind Vaessen’s words.
