Columbus Crew have dismissed reserve-team coach Federico Higuaín following allegations that he held a female referee’s hand and made a sexist comment during an MLS Next Pro match. He was sent off over the incident and subsequently suspended for two games.
General manager Issa Tall said the club decided that removing Higuaín from his position was the best course of action for its players and staff. He added that, after reviewing recent events and holding discussions during the week, the club concluded that Higuaín had failed to meet the leadership standards expected of him.
Higuaín, the brother of former Real Madrid forward Gonzalo Higuaín, allegedly tightened his grip on the official’s hand and refused to release it despite being asked three times during the 23 August fixture. The Professional Soccer Referees Association argued that such forceful contact should result in a three-match suspension and said the league’s punishment was seriously inadequate.
The referees’ association described the episode as two intentional acts of physical intimidation and sexism by a male head coach. It said Higuaín held the female official’s hand against her wishes before making a degrading remark suggesting that football belonged to men.
The association added that women improve the sport at every level and should never be required to tolerate threatening conduct or insulting comments. It said female referees have demonstrated their ability at the highest level and are entitled to the same safety, dignity and respect as all other match officials.
The 41-year-old former forward played in Argentina, Turkey and Mexico before moving to Columbus, where he made more than 200 appearances.
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