The Columbus Crew dismissed reserve coach Federico Higuaín on Sept. 22, after he served a two-game suspension following an Aug. 23 match incident involving a female referee and allegations of physical abuse and sexist conduct.
The Professional Soccer Referees Association said a male coach squeezed a female official’s hand and refused to let go, then told her, “Don’t forget, this is a man’s game.” Its statement did not name Higuaín as the alleged instigator. The association said MLS NEXT Pro’s initial two-game suspension fell “drastically short” of the right message.
Columbus Crew general manager Issa Tall said the club dismissed Higuaín because its standards for leaders had not been met, after conversations and further assessment. He said the decision was in the best interests of the club, players and support staff.
