Columbus Crew dismissed reserve‑team coach Federico Higuain after he squeezed a female referee’s hand and said “don’t forget this is a man’s game,” also receiving a two‑match ban.
Columbus Crew’s reserve‑team coach Federico Higuain was sacked after an MLS Next Pro match in which he refused to release a female referee’s hand and told her, “don’t forget this is a man’s game.” The incident also led to Higuain being sent off and handed a two‑match suspension.
Crew general manager Issa Tall said the club decided it was in the best interest of the organization to dismiss Higuain, adding that conversations and a review of the past month showed the club’s leadership standards had not been met.
The Professional Soccer Referees Association (PSRA) criticised the league’s response, stating that the two‑game ban “falls drastically short” of what is appropriate for the physical intimidation and sexist remark.
The available reporting provides only the statements from the club and the referees’ union; further details about internal investigations or additional sanctions were not disclosed.