Ajax’s match against RKC Waalwijk had to be prematurely ended following a tragic incident involving their goalkeeper, Etienne Vaessen. The goalkeeper suffered a severe injury when he was rendered unconscious in a harrowing collision with Ajax’s Brian Brobbey.
In a distressing sight, players immediately signalled for medical assistance as Vaessen, aged 28, lay motionless on the pitch.
His teammates and manager, Henk Fraser, were visibly shaken by the incident as they watched anxiously while medical personnel attended to him.
Stewards stepped in to shield the injured goalkeeper from view with covers as medics worked to stabilize him. The gravity of the situation was evident as players left the field in tears when the game was ultimately abandoned.
Vaessen was later transported off the pitch on a stretcher, and his club provided an update on his condition, revealing that he had regained consciousness. RKC released a statement saying, “After extensive medical examination, he is conscious and has been transported to hospital for further examination.”
“We are extremely shocked by the incident. We wish Etienne a lot of strength and strength and hope to have him with us again soon.”
Frank van Mosselveld, RKC’s director, spoke to Dutch broadcaster NOS, mentioning, “Etienne was knocked out for a while.”
“Our medical staff started reanimation straightaway but it looked like it wasn’t a problem with his heart.”
“He was conscious again when he left the field but he did not know where he was.”
At the time of the match’s interruption, Ajax was leading 3-2 in the Eredivisie contest. The club expressed its concern for Vaessen, tweeting, “The match has been temporarily halted due to an apparently serious medical situation.”
“We are thinking of you, Etienne.”
“This is about more than football. Praying you’re okay, Etienne.”
Numerous fans joined in extending their best wishes to Etienne Vaessen. One fan tweeted, “Pray for Etienne Vaessen. He was involved in a collision with Brobbey of Ajax and its looking serious” Another supporter added, “Thoughts and prayers to Etienne Vaessen and his family and right now 💙” while a third offered words of encouragement, saying, “Stay strong Etienne. We hope to hear good news and that Etienne recovers quickly. 💪”
Ajax performance and stats
Ajax is currently 3rd in the Europa League with 1 points.
In the last 3 games, it has won once, drawn once, and lost once. In its last match, Ajax drawn 3-3 against Olympique Marseille.
It has a even goal difference after scoring 3 goals and conceding 3.
Ajax will play the next match in Europa League against AEK Athens on Thursday 5th of October in .
RKC Waalwijk performance and stats
RKC Waalwijk is currently 14th in the Eredivisie with 6 points.
In the last 7 games, it has won twice and lost 5 times. In its last match, RKC Waalwijk lost 2-3 against Ajax.
It has a negative goal difference after scoring 5 goals and conceding 13.
RKC Waalwijk will play the next match in Eredivisie against Almere City on Saturday 7th of October in Almere.