Football coach sacked for ‘grabbing feminine ref’ and telling her ‘it is a man’s sport’
A football club have sacked their coach after he allegedly grabbed a female referee’s hand and told the official “don’t forget this is a man’s game”
Federico Higuain has been sacked by Columbus Crew(Image: ISI Photos via Getty Images)
A football club have sacked their reserve team coach after he allegedly grabbed a female referee’s hand and told her “don’t forget this is a man’s game”.
Columbus Crew have parted ways with Federico Higuain, who was sent off for the incident which happened during a MLS Next Pro league match, and was later given a two-match ban. Higuain, who is the brother of former Real Madrid, Chelsea and Argentina striker Gonzalo Higuain, is alleged to have refused to let go as he squeezed the female official’s hand after being told to stop three times.
Columbus’ 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 Higuain 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.”
Federico Higuain was the reserve coach at Columbus Crew(Image: ISI Photos via Getty Images)
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The Professional Soccer Referees Association (PSRA) said a “forceful grab” requires a three-game ban and criticised the MLS’s response for falling “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.”
Federico played in the Argentine Primera Division for River Plate, Nueva Chicago, Independiente, Godoy Cruz and Colon. He also had brief spells in Turkey with Besiktas and in Mexico with Club America.
In 2012, he signed for the Columbus Crew for a then club-record fee of $650,000 and won the MLS Newcomer of the Year Award in his first season.
A legend of the club, he made more than 200 appearances, scoring over 50 goals. But unlike his brother, he never gained international recognition.
