FC Groningen keeper facing potential ban due to actions in melee after Ajax game

The Dutch football association’s prosecutor has launched an investigation into FC Groningen goalkeeper Etienne Vaessen’s actions during the altercation between the players of FC Groningen and Ajax after their 2-2 draw on Wednesday night. "The prosecutor has observed on TV images that Vaessen repeatedly seeks aggressive confrontation with Ajax players and/or staff members and that he hits an Ajax player or staff member who is sitting on the ground," a spokesperson said.

This means that Vaessen may be suspended for the start of next season. The Groningen keeper is already suspended for the final game of the season on Sunday against PEC Zwolle due to the yellow card that he was given during the closing stages of the game against Ajax. That was his fifth yellow card of the season, which means that he is suspended.

A melee occurred after the final whistle of the game on Wednesday evening. Groningen had scored in the 100th minute after being reduced to 10 men in injury time due to a red card for Luciano Valente. The goal had potentially disastrous consequences for Ajax as PSV now only have to beat Sparta Rotterdam on Sunday to clinch the Eredivisie title after being 10 points behind at the end of March.

Vaessen seemed to say something to Ajax captain Jordan Henderson after the final whistle. Likely connected to the incident earlier in which Henderson was the target of Valente’s tackle, which resulted in the red card. Davy Klaassen, Ajax’s midfielder, then took offense, and a melee ensued. The footage seemed to show Vaessen hitting an Ajax coach while he was on the ground.

FC Groningen announced that they are going to appeal the KNVB’s decision to ban Valente for two games for the sending off. It will now be up to the disciplinary committee to decide on the ban. This decision will likely be announced on Thursday evening or Friday.

Groningen is still in contention for a place in the play-offs for a spot in the UEFA Conference League with one Eredivisie game left to go. Dick Lukkien’s team is one point behind SC Heerenveen and NEC Nijmegen, the two teams that currently hold the last two play offs spots.

Sparta Rotterdam and Fortuna Sittard are also ahead of the Groningers, but Fortuna Sittard have already been excluded from European competition next season as they were too late to apply for a license from the European Football Association, UEFA.