Sports psychologist Tim Koning said athletes can learn to recognize and regulate anger before it escalates. His advice followed an outburst by FC Groningen goalkeeper Etienne Vaessen, who will receive professional support from the club to help him deal with his emotions. Koning said physical signs such as a tense jaw, teeth grinding and a tongue pressed against the palate can indicate rising tension.

Koning recommended controlled physical outlets, including squeezing a ball, biting a towel or stamping, as well as naming emotions and showing self-compassion. He said teammates can help through so-called co-regulation by recognizing triggers and offering support while a player is still calm, but warned that intervening after someone has already exploded can increase their anger. Tennis player Tallon Griekspoor and hockey player Duco Telgenkamp were also cited as athletes who have spoken about emotional outbursts and their effects on performance.