GFF confirms safety of U-20 squad following on-field altercation with Anguilla

The Guyana Football Federation has confirmed the safety of all Guyanese players and staff following an on-field altercation between Guyana and Anguilla in Group D action of the Concacaf Under-20 Qualifiers in Curacao on Saturday evening.

The game was called off at Stadion Rignaal ‘Jean’ Francisca in Willemstad in the 86^th minute, with Guyana leading 5-0.

Below is the full statement issued by the Guyana Football Federation

The Guyana Football Federation (GFF) wishes to address the incident that occurred this evening during our national team’s fixture in the Concacaf U-20 Men’s Qualifiers in Curaçao.

In approximately the 86th minute of the match, the referee issued a red card to a player from Anguilla. Following this decision, there was a sequence of hostile verbal exchanges and jostling between players of both teams.

During this period, an Anguillian player ran into a group of players and appeared to have struck a Guyanese player, which precipitated a broader altercation involving several players.

As a result of the escalation, the match was abandoned.

Multiple players from both teams were subsequently issued red and yellow cards. We understand that an official investigation into the matter is ongoing, and we await confirmed details from the relevant authorities.

The GFF can confirm that all Guyanese players and staff have returned safely to their hotel, and there have been no reports of any serious injuries arising from the incident.

The Guyana Football Federation remains committed to the principles of fair play, respect, and discipline that underpin the game. We will provide further updates as more verified information becomes available. (END)

How the match went 

Guyana got off the mark in the fourth minute, with Sheldon Kendall striking from close range.

Bryan Wharton followed up with a brace, scoring in the 18th and 23rd. Mateo Clark added another for Guyana in the 41st.

Kendall secured his brace in the 56th to round out the result for Guyana. 

Next up for Guyana are clashes against Haiti (March 2 at 20:00h) and St. Vincent and the Grenadines (March 4 at 17:00h).

In their opening game the Guyanese lost 3-2 to Curacao.