Columbus Crew dismiss Federico Higuaín after alleged hand-grab and ‘man’s game’ remark

Columbus Crew have dismissed reserve team coach Federico Higuaín after he allegedly grabbed a female referee’s hand and told her “don’t forget this is a man’s game” during a MLS Next Pro league match on 23 August. He was sent off for the incident.

Columbus Crew’s general manager, Issa Tall, said in a statement: “We determined it’s in the best interest of our club, players and support staff to dismiss Federico Higuaín from his responsibilities. 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.”

It is alleged Higuaín refused to let go as he squeezed the female official’s hand after being told to stop three times at the match on 23 August. The club has confirmed the coach was removed from his duties following that on-field conduct.

The Professional Soccer Referees Association criticised Major League Soccer’s disciplinary response, saying a “forceful grab” requires a three-game ban and that the ruling fell “drastically short”.

The PSRA added: “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. 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.”

Columbus Crew did not immediately respond to a request for comment from Higuaín. Higuaín, the brother of former Real Madrid striker Gonzalo Higuaín, is a 41-year-old attacker who played in Argentina, Turkey and Mexico before joining Columbus Crew, where he made more than 200 appearances.

He was later given a two-match ban.