In Guatemala, the final night of the Concacaf Nations League group stage ended with more than a 96th-minute winner to discuss. Suriname’s football leadership has alleged that its players were subjected to racist abuse from the stands throughout the 1-0 defeat, while insisting that Concacaf’s anti-discrimination procedures were not put into effect.
Suriname raises racism allegation after tense finish
The match became increasingly heated, culminating in a mass confrontation involving players from Suriname and Guatemala. Suriname goalkeeper Etienne Vaessen drew attention after exchanges with spectators in the stands, but the Surinamese delegation has defended its squad and placed the focus on the alleged conduct of supporters.
Brian Tevreden, the general director of the Suriboys, said the team had been targeted by racist chants over the course of the match. In a social-media statement after the final whistle, he said neither the referee nor Concacaf had intervened to halt the alleged abuse.
- Tevreden said racist chanting was directed at Suriname’s players throughout the game.
- He said play was not suspended despite Concacaf having an anti-discrimination protocol intended for such circumstances.
- Suriname complained that Richonell Margaret was sent off after responding to verbal abuse.
- The federation’s leadership said the players have its full backing.
Tevreden argued that the punishment had fallen on a player reacting to insults rather than on those responsible for them. “The victim was punished while those at fault were not,” was the essence of his criticism, describing the situation as upside down.
A wider concern for the Suriboys
The Suriname official said the episode should not be viewed in isolation, recalling a previous alleged incident involving El Salvador before the trip to Guatemala. He questioned how often the squad would have to face such treatment before Concacaf acted.
He added that Suriname’s players represent their country with pride and dignity, and said they should be able to play without being dehumanised. The Suriname Football Federation, known as SVB, supports the players fully, he said.
Guatemala take the quarter-final place
On the field, Guatemala found the decisive goal in the sixth minute of stoppage time to win 1-0. The result carried Luis Fernando Tena’s side to the top of League B’s Group B, finishing on seven points with a goal difference of plus six.
- Guatemala finished first in the group with seven points and a +6 goal difference.
- The Chapines advanced to the Nations League quarter-finals.
- Canada will be Guatemala’s quarter-final opponent in November.
- Suriname placed third, also on seven points alongside Guatemala and Jamaica, but behind on goal difference.
Suriname turn towards the Gold Cup route
For Suriname, the group-stage outcome means attention now moves to the preliminary round for the 2027 Gold Cup, scheduled for March 2027. Eight participating teams are still to be confirmed: the winners of the play-ins involving Leagues A and C, together with the sides beaten in the quarter-finals.
