Columbus Crew Sacks Reserve Coach Over Sexist Remark to Referee

Major League Soccer club Columbus Crew has dismissed Federico Higuain, the coach of their reserve team, following a sexist remark made to a female referee and a physical interaction during a recent match.

The incident occurred during an MLS Next Pro league game where Higuain refused to release the hand of the female referee and stated, "don't forget this is a man's game." He was subsequently sent off and given a two-match suspension.

Columbus Crew general manager Issa Tall announced the decision, stating, "We determined it's in the best interest of our club, players and support staff to dismiss Federico Higuain from his responsibilities." Tall added that after internal discussions, the club concluded that Higuain's conduct did not meet the standards expected of a leader within the organization.

Meanwhile, the Professional Soccer Referees Association (PSRA) has criticized the league's disciplinary action, deeming Higuain's two-game ban insufficient. In a statement, the referees' union described the coach's actions as "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." The PSRA emphasized that "female officials have proven their excellence on the world stage" and deserve "the same respect, dignity, and safe working environment as every other official."