Major League Soccer club Columbus Crew have dismissed Crew 2 head coach Federico Higuaín following an incident involving a female referee during a match in August.
Higuaín, the brother of former Real Madrid and Argentina striker Gonzalo Higuaín, was removed from his position as head coach of Crew 2, the club’s MLS NEXT Pro side.
The decision followed an August 23 match against Huntsville City FC, after which Higuaín was sent off and given a two-match suspension over his conduct towards an official.
According to reports, Higuaín allegedly squeezed the female referee’s hand during the post-match handshake and refused to release it despite being told to stop three times.
BBC Sport reported that Higuaín was quoted as saying, “Don’t forget, this is a man’s game.”
Crew general manager Issa Tall confirmed the club’s decision in a statement.
“We determined it’s in the best interest of our Club, players and support staff to dismiss Federico Higuaín from his responsibilities.”
The Professional Soccer Referees Association (PSRA), the referees’ union, also criticised the incident, describing the conduct as involving physical intimidation and sexism.
“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.
“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 also described the initial two-match suspension handed to Higuaín as one that “falls drastically short.”
Higuaín had returned to the touchline after serving the suspension and completing part of a required restorative practices process before Columbus Crew ultimately decided to terminate his coaching role.
The club said the Crew 2 technical staff would oversee the team during the upcoming MLS NEXT Pro playoffs as it begins the search for a permanent replacement.
Higuaín had previously enjoyed a long playing career with Columbus before transitioning into coaching. His dismissal brings an end to his latest coaching role with the club following the disciplinary incident.
