A dramatic on-field brawl has led to the expulsion of both Guyana and Anguilla from the regional youth competition, after the Concacaf disciplinary committee ruled that the events during their match crossed the line of acceptable conduct.
The incident unfolded during a Group D fixture in the Concacaf Under-20 Qualifiers on Saturday, with Guyana comfortably ahead when tensions erupted into a full-scale confrontation between players from both teams.
Following an investigation, Concacaf announced that both national sides have been removed from the tournament entirely.
Fight erupts late in one-sided match
The chaotic scene took place at the Stadion Rignaal ‘Jean’ Francisca in Willemstad, Curaçao.
With Guyana holding a commanding 5-0 lead in the 87th minute, the match suddenly descended into disorder as players from both sides became involved in a physical altercation that quickly escalated into a fistfight.
The clash forced a lengthy stoppage as officials attempted to restore order, and the referee ultimately issued multiple red cards in the aftermath.
Match result stands despite disqualification
Although both teams have been expelled from the tournament, Concacaf confirmed that the result of the game itself will remain unchanged.
According to the governing body, Anguilla’s dismissal count left them unable to legally continue the match.
“After reviewing the evidence and documentation gathered during its investigation, and in accordance with the applicable Disciplinary Code, the Committee has declared the match a forfeit in favour of Guyana. This decision was taken after Anguilla received five red cards, leaving the team with fewer players than the minimum required under the laws of the game to continue the match. As a result, the 5-0 score in favour of Guyana stands,” the organization said in its statement.
Both teams removed from tournament
Despite Guyana technically winning the abandoned match, the disciplinary body determined that the conduct of both teams warranted the harshest penalty available.
“Furthermore, the Committee has disqualified both teams from the competition, with their remaining matches to be recorded as 3-0 forfeits in favour of their respective opponents and imposed undisclosed fines.”
The ruling effectively ends both nations’ participation in the tournament and awards victories to their remaining Group D opponents.
Multiple players hit with suspensions
Several players from each team have also been sanctioned following the investigation.
From Anguilla, Keondre Belle, Keante Brooks, Shemor Browne, Khalique Jackson, and Cardinae Rennie were each handed four-match suspensions.
Guyana’s Mateo Clark, Shaquan David, Sheldon Kendall, and Max Robinson received identical bans.
“The suspended players must each serve their four-match suspensions during the following official matches of their representative team in the same age group in a Concacaf or FIFA competition. Where the suspension cannot be served in the same age group, they will be carried over to the next highest age category in a Concacaf or FIFA competition,” the statement added.
The ruling closes a turbulent chapter in the tournament, with Concacaf making clear that violent conduct will not be tolerated at any level of its competitions.
