Vaessen vs Weghorst: A Prayer Sparks War, Driessen Slams Both

On Sunday at the Euroborg, Dutch football witnessed an off-pitch war of words between FC Groningen goalkeeper Etienne Vaessen and FC Twente striker Wout Weghorst. It all started with Weghorst's equalizing goal in the first half making it 2-2, and the striker's prolonged prayer celebration annoyed Vaessen intensely. Vaessen, a goalkeeper who has made spectacular saves, felt that Weghorst provoked him with a long celebration. "He was just standing there praying as if he were in a cathedral. If he wants to pray, he should go to church on Sunday," Vaessen said on RTV Noord. He added: "I don't mind the celebration, but do it quickly and get back in position. The prolongation was just a provocative stunt." Not only Vaessen, veteran journalist Valentijn Driessen also criticized both players in his analysis show. Driessen, known for his blunt remarks, said: "Weghorst scored a wonderful goal, but it was unbearable. He is acting again after scoring. And Vaessen – these two are the most annoying guys on the Dutch pitches right now. A beautiful goal, but just go back and behave normally. Stop making a show like a clown." Driessen did not deny the value of the goal; indeed, it was Weghorst's second league goal of the season, plus two goals in Europe for Twente. But the forward's attitude repeatedly raised eyebrows. Notably, after beating Vaessen to score, Weghorst went to perform a religious ritual that dragged on. Driessen partly defended Weghorst's foray into Vaessen's penalty area. He explained that the ball was still loose and that it was a normal challenge, although the striker had collided with the goalkeeper. This controversy reflects a cultural trait in Dutch football where strong personalities always go head-to-head. Weghorst is often seen as a provocative player, and Vaessen is not someone who easily lets things go. Vaessen has been sent off in the past for excessive reactions. All these ingredients created a fiery battle on and off the pitch. Fans reacted on social media with delight at this entertaining clash. Some felt Driessen went too far in calling Vaessen "annoying," as the goalkeeper was simply protecting his team's spirit. Our take: Football needs moments like this, where emotions and reason coexist. Perhaps in modern calculated football, big egos like Weghorst and Vaessen make the game worth watching. The match ended 2-2, a result reflecting the balance. The war of words is not over as both have retaliated. Driessen also kept up his ruthless criticism, and fans are surely looking forward to the rematch.