The Anguilla Football Association (AFA) has announced a “thorough investigation” will take place into a brawl during a match between Anguilla and Guyana.
The Concacaf U-20 Championship Qualifiers game took place on Saturday, 28 February, at the Stadion Rignaal ‘Jean’ Francisca, Willemstad in Curaçao.
The Group D match kicked off at 5pm, with Guyana opening the scoring in the fourth minute when Sheldon Kendall struck from close range.
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Bryan Wharton extended the lead with goals in the 18th and 23rd minutes, before Mateo Clark added a fourth just before half-time in the 41st minute.
Kendall completed his brace in the 56th minute to round out the scoring and seal a convincing 5–0 victory for the Golden Jaguars.
The match saw Anguilla’s Mekhi Connor shown a late red card in the 86th minute, after which verbal exchanges and jostling between players from both teams escalated into a broader altercation.
In a statement the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) said: “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 said all Guyanese players and staff returned safely to their hotel, and there were 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,” it added.
In a statement the same day, the AFA said it “does not condone this type of behaviour under any circumstances” and remains committed to high standards of sportsmanship, respect and professionalism.
The association said it adheres to Concacaf’s regulations and disciplinary framework as well as its own code of conduct, and noted that a “thorough investigation” into the incident is planned.
“Upon completion of this process, the individuals involved will be consulted and appropriate action will be taken in accordance with established Concacaf and AFA disciplinary policies,” the AFA said.
“The Anguilla Football Association remains steadfast in its commitment to integrity, accountability, and the continued development of football in Anguilla.”
Anguilla currently sits at the bottom of Group D with zero points after a 6-0 loss to St Vincent and the Grenadines, a 7-0 loss to Haiti and the latest 5-0 loss to Guyana.
Watch highlights from the match courtesy of Concacaf below:
