Major League Soccer club Columbus Crew has parted ways with their reserve team coach Federico Higuaín following an incident involving sexist remarks to a female referee. The decision was made after Higuaín was sent off and handed a two-match suspension for his conduct during an August 23 match against Huntsville City FC. According to reports, Higuaín refused to release the female referee's hand and made a sexist remark, saying "Don't forget, this is a man's game."
The incident occurred during the post-match handshake, where Higuaín is accused of squeezing the female official's hand and refusing to let go despite being told to stop three times. The Professional Soccer Referees Association (PSRA) criticized the league's initial two-game ban as inadequate, describing it as "physical intimidation" and "demeaning" towards the female official. The referees' union emphasized that female officials deserve respect, dignity, and a safe working environment.
Columbus Crew general manager Issa Tall stated that the club's standards of what's expected from a leader have not been met, and it's in the best interest of the club to dismiss Higuaín from his responsibilities. The club had initially given Higuaín a two-match suspension, but the PSRA felt it was not enough. Higuaín had returned to the sideline after serving the ban and completing part of a required restorative practices process before the club decided to part ways with him.
Federico Higuaín is the brother of former Real Madrid and Argentina striker Gonzalo Higuaín and a former longtime player for Columbus Crew. He was serving as the head coach of Crew 2, the club's MLS NEXT Pro side. The Crew 2 technical staff will handle coaching duties during the upcoming MLS NEXT Pro playoffs while the club searches for a permanent replacement.
The PSRA expressed disappointment with the initial suspension, stating that it "falls drastically short" of what's expected. The union emphasized that women make every level of the game better and should not have to endure intimidation or degrading comments to prove it. The incident highlights the need for respect and safety for female officials in the sport.
Columbus Crew's decision to part ways with Higuaín sends a strong message about the club's commitment to maintaining a respectful and safe environment for all players, staff, and officials. The club is currently searching for a permanent replacement for Higuaín, and the Crew 2 technical staff will take over coaching duties in the meantime.
The incident involving Higuaín has sparked a conversation about sexism and respect in sports, particularly towards female officials. The PSRA's statement emphasizes the importance of creating a safe and respectful environment for all officials, and the need for stronger actions to be taken against those who engage in sexist behavior.
Key points
- Columbus Crew's reserve team coach Federico Higuaín was sacked due to sexist remarks made to a female referee during a match.
- The incident involved Higuaín refusing to release the referee's hand and making a sexist remark, saying "Don't forget, this is a man's game."
- The Professional Soccer Referees Association criticized the initial two-game ban as inadequate, describing it as "physical intimidation" and "demeaning" towards the female official.
