Major League Soccer club Columbus Crew have dismissed their reserve team coach Federico Higuaín following an incident in which he allegedly refused to release a female referee’s hand and made a sexist comment.
Higuaín, the brother of former Real Madrid and Argentina striker Gonzalo Higuaín, is a former longtime Columbus player who had been in charge of Crew 2, the club’s MLS NEXT Pro team.
The decision followed his dismissal and subsequent two-match suspension for his conduct after an August 23 fixture against Huntsville City FC.
Higuaín was accused of squeezing the female official’s hand during the post-match handshake and refusing to release it despite being instructed three times to stop.
According to BBC Sport’s report on Wednesday, Higuaín was quoted as telling the referee, “Don’t forget, this is a man’s game.”
Crew general manager Issa Tall said in a statement, “We determined it’s in the best interest of our Club, players and support staff to dismiss Federico Higuaín from his responsibilities.”
“After conversations this week and further assessing the past month, our Club’s standards of what’s expected from a leader for one of our teams have not been met.”
The Professional Soccer Referees Association (PSRA) had previously criticised the league’s initial two-match suspension, describing the punishment as inadequate.
In a statement, the referees’ union said, “A male head coach committed two deliberate acts of physical abuse and sexism against a female official, squeezing her hand and refusing to let go after being told to stop three times.
“This physical intimidation was compounded by a demeaning, sexist remark to the official: ‘Don’t forget, this is a man’s game.’
“Women make every level of this game better. They should not have to endure intimidation or degrading comments to prove it.
“Our female officials have proven their excellence on the world stage. They deserve the same respect, dignity, and safe working environment as every other official.”
The PSRA described the two-match suspension as one that “falls drastically short.”
Higuaín had returned to the sideline after serving his suspension and completing part of a required restorative practices process before Columbus Crew decided to end his time with the club.
Crew 2’s technical staff will take charge of the team during the upcoming MLS NEXT Pro playoffs as the club begins its search for a permanent replacement.
(The Whistler)
