Columbus Crew Sack Federico Higuaín After ‘Man’s Game’ Remark to Female Referee

Columbus Crew have dismissed their reserve team coach, Federico Higuaín, following an incident during an MLS Next Pro match where he allegedly grabbed the hand of a female referee and told her, “don’t forget this is a man’s game.” The coach was subsequently sent off and received a two-match ban from the league.

The MLS Next Pro league, a developmental competition linked to Major League Soccer, was the setting for this controversial episode involving Higuaín. Despite the league’s disciplinary action, Columbus Crew deemed the two-match suspension insufficient and opted to terminate his contract. This decision reflects the club’s firm stance on maintaining respect and professionalism within its ranks.

Issa Tall, general manager of Columbus Crew, issued a statement explaining the club’s rationale. He noted that after reviewing the incident and reflecting on recent events over the past month, the club concluded that Higuaín had failed to meet the leadership standards expected of those representing the organization. Tall emphasized that the dismissal was made in the best interest of the club, its players, and support staff.

The incident has also drawn criticism from the referees’ union, which described the league’s two-match ban as inadequate. This criticism highlights a wider conversation within professional football about the treatment of match officials, especially female referees, and the need for stronger measures to ensure their protection and respect.

Higuaín’s departure leaves a vacancy within the Columbus Crew reserve team coaching staff. The club is now tasked with finding a replacement who embodies their values of respect and leadership. This episode serves as a clear message to all involved in the sport about the importance of upholding professionalism and respect towards officials, regardless of gender.

Moving forward, Columbus Crew will focus on stabilizing their reserve team as they continue their MLS Next Pro campaign. The club’s decisive action may set a precedent within the league, encouraging other teams to adopt stricter internal policies and disciplinary responses to similar incidents in the future.

Source: theguardian.com