A coach in Major League Soccer (MLS) has been sacked after refusing to let go of a female referee's hand while telling her: "Don't forget, this is a man's game."
Federico Higuaín, the brother of former Real Madrid , Chelsea and Argentina striker Gonzalo, was dismissed from his role as the reserve-team manager at Columbus Crew after the incident at an MLS Next Pro match last month.
Higuaín, 41, had been sent off and given a two-match suspension, but this was criticised by the referee's association for falling "drastically short". The club have now taken their own action against the Argentine coach.
"We determined it's in the best interest of our club, players and support staff to dismiss Federico Higuaín from his responsibilities," Issa Tall, the Crew general manager, 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."
Higuain was originally given a two-match ban but has now been sacked for his actions - Andrew Katsampes/Getty Images
The Professional Soccer Referees Association (PSRA) had released a statement on Sunday in which they criticised the two-game suspension.
"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," said the statement.
"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.
"US Soccer policy states a 'forceful grab' like this requires a minimum three-game suspension. Acts of discrimination also require a minimum three-game suspension. The league's response falls drastically short of the right message to the participants, the referees and the public. It needs to be re-evaluated."
After the PSRA statement, Columbus Crew are understood to have reviewed the incident and decided to terminate Higuaín's contract. He has not since apologised publicly.
Higuaín had coached Crew 2 since January 2023 after playing as a forward for the club from 2012 to 2019.
