Higuain Sacked by Columbus Crew Over Conduct Towards Female Referee

Major League Soccer side Columbus Crew have dismissed their reserve team coach, Federico Higuain, following an incident involving a female referee in which he allegedly made a sexist remark.

Higuain was sent off during an MLS Next Pro match and subsequently received a two-match suspension after the incident, according to reports.

The former Columbus Crew player reportedly refused to release the female referee’s hand and told her, “Don’t forget this is a man’s game.”

The 41-year-old Argentine, who is the brother of former Real Madrid and Argentina striker Gonzalo Higuain, spent eight seasons playing for Columbus Crew before moving into coaching.

Following a review of the incident and an assessment of events involving the club over the previous month, Columbus Crew decided to terminate Higuain’s coaching responsibilities.

Crew general manager Issa Tall said the decision was based on the club’s standards for leaders within its teams.

“We determined it’s in the best interest of our club, players and support staff to dismiss Federico Higuain from his responsibilities,” Tall said.

“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, however, criticised the initial two-match suspension handed to Higuain, describing the punishment as inadequate.

The referees’ union said Higuain squeezed the female official’s hand and refused to let go despite being instructed three times to stop.

According to the PSRA, the physical interaction was made more serious by the comment directed at the referee.

“Don’t forget, this is a man’s game,” Higuain was reported to have said.

The union condemned the incident and stressed that female officials should be treated with the same respect as their male counterparts.

“Women make every level of this game better. They should not have to endure intimidation or degrading comments to prove it,” the PSRA said.

The organisation also pointed to the growing involvement and achievements of female referees at the highest levels of football, arguing that they deserve the same dignity, respect and safe working conditions afforded to other match officials.

Higuain’s dismissal brings an end to his coaching role with Columbus Crew after a long association with the club that began during his playing career.

The incident has also renewed discussion around the treatment of match officials and the need for professional standards to be maintained by coaches, players and other football personnel regardless of gender.

Join us on our WhatsApp Platform @KOIKIMEDIA NEWS YOUR PAGE

Koikimedia Bringing the World 🌎 Closer to Your Doorstep