FC Groningen keeper Etienne Vaessen set to be banned for three games after Ajax fight

The prosecutor of professional football in the Netherlands wants to suspend FC Groningen’s goalkeeper, Etienne Vaessen, for three games, with one more game under a conditional suspension. This is due to his “violent acts” during the altercation that occurred after his team’s 2-2 draw with Ajax last week. Vaessen is accused of pushing an Ajax staff member to the ground before hitting him, a spokesperson for the team has said.

FC Groningen and Vaessen can now decide whether they wish to accept the punishment or appeal the decision. Groningen’s season is already over. Therefore, the ban would come into effect at the beginning of next season.

The prosecutor also started an investigation into the actions of Ajax defender Ahmetcan Kaplan for a hitting motion after the game. But he has been acquitted of the charges.

A lot was at stake for Ajax during the game. The Amsterdammers were just about holding on to first place in the Eredivisie table, having almost squandered a nine-point lead over rivals PSV. FC Groningen were pushing to finish in a spot that would ensure they could compete in the play-offs for European football.

FC Groningen ended up equalizing in the 99th minute through Thijmen Blokzijl. This came after the arguments had already started between the two teams in injury time when Luciano Valente got sent off for a dangerous tackle on Ajax captain Jordan Henderson.

Vaessen was involved in the argument in injury time and then made a comment to Henderson after the final whistle. Ajax, frustrated having just handed over control of the title to the eventual winners PSV, responded, and a melee ensued.

Groningen lost their final game of the season away to PEC Zwolle, which resulted in them finishing outside of the European places.