Major League Soccer side Columbus Crew have dismissed Crew 2 head coach Federico Higuaín following an incident involving a female referee during a match last month.
Higuaín, the former Columbus player and brother of ex-Real Madrid and Argentina striker Gonzalo Higuaín, was removed from his position after his conduct during the August 23 encounter between Crew 2 and Huntsville City FC.
The incident occurred during the post-match handshake, when Higuaín allegedly squeezed the female official’s hand and continued holding it despite being instructed three times to release it.
As reported by BBC Sport on Wednesday, Higuaín was quoted as saying, “He then told her: ‘Don’t forget, this is a man’s game.”
The incident initially resulted in Higuaín being sent off and receiving a two-match suspension. However, the Professional Soccer Referees Association criticised the punishment, describing it as insufficient.
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.
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“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 said the initial two-match suspension “falls drastically short.”
Columbus Crew general manager Issa Tall said the club reviewed the incident and Higuaín’s conduct before deciding to terminate his role.
“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.”
Higuaín had already returned to the touchline after completing his suspension and part of a restorative practices programme required following the incident.
Following his dismissal, Crew 2’s existing technical staff will take charge for the remainder of the MLS NEXT Pro playoffs as Columbus searches for a permanent replacement.