Columbus Crew sack Higuain over referee incident
Columbus Crew have dismissed reserve-team coach Federico Higuain after he refused to let go of a female referee's hand and told her: "Don't forget, this is a man's game."
The Argentine was in charge of Crew 2, the club's second team in MLS Next Pro, the reserve league that feeds Major League Soccer, the top division in the United States. Columbus confirmed his dismissal in an official club statement, as reported by BBC.
The incident happened during a league match. Higuain held on to the official's hand during a handshake and would not release it. He squeezed her hand and refused to let go after being told to stop three times, according to the Professional Soccer Referees Association.
He was then sent off. That red card, shown to a coach for misconduct on the touchline, brought a two-match suspension.
Higuain is the brother of Gonzalo Higuain, the former Real Madrid striker. Federico played as a forward himself before moving into coaching. He took the Crew 2 role after a long playing career in Argentina and the United States.
Columbus general manager Issa Tall said the decision to dismiss him was in the best interest of the club, players and support staff. The club has not added further detail beyond confirming that Higuain has left his duties.
The referees' union said the initial two-game ban "falls drastically short". It described the behaviour as both sexist and physical. That criticism came before the club announced the sacking.
What makes this stand out is the clarity of the officials' account. Three requests to let go. A grip that tightened. Then the words on the pitch. For supporters, it is a reminder of the respect match officials are owed, whatever the level of the game.
