Lede
Columbus Crew fired reserve team coach Federico Higuaín after an incident during a MLS Next Pro match in which he allegedly grabbed a female referee’s hand and said • don’t forget this is a man’s game•.
The Columbus Crew firing came after the coach received a red card and a two-match suspension from Major League Soccer. The club said it acted in the best interest of its players and staff, citing unmet leadership standards.
Key Facts
- Federico Higuaín was sacked by Columbus Crew over referee conduct.
- He allegedly grabbed a female referee’s hand and said • don’t forget this is a man’s game•.
- The incident occurred during a MLS Next Pro league match.
- Higuaín was sent off and later banned for two matches by MLS.
- Columbus Crew general manager Issa Tall said leadership standards were not met.
The Story: What Happened
During a MLS Next Pro match, Higuaín allegedly approached a female referee and physically grabbed her hand before making the comment. He was shown a red card on the field for the conduct, which the referee reported as inappropriate and confrontational.
MLS responded with a two-match ban, but Columbus Crew took further disciplinary action by terminating Higuaín’s coaching duties. The club did not release video evidence but confirmed the firing followed internal review of the incident and surrounding events from the past month.
The Story: What’s Next for Referee Safety
The incident has raised questions about referee protection and accountability in youth and professional soccer. While MLS imposed a short-term ban, the Columbus Crew firing suggests clubs may pursue stricter internal consequences.
No further disciplinary action was reported, and it remains unclear whether Higuaín will face additional penalties. The Referees Association has previously called for stronger sanctions against abuse directed at officials.
The Story: Who Is Affected
Besides Higuaín, the female referee involved has not been publicly identified, though reports say she continued officiating after the match. Her safety and treatment are now under scrutiny by advocacy groups within soccer.
Columbus Crew players and staff were also impacted, as the club emphasized that leadership must meet defined standards. Supporters have expressed mixed reactions online, with most backing the referee and criticizing the coach’s behavior.
The Story: How Did This Escalate So Quickly
Higuaín was known in soccer circles before joining Columbus Crew as a reserve coach. His prior role as a player in MLS gave him visibility, but the alleged incident marked a turning point for the organization.
The Columbus Crew firing occurred after a week of internal discussions. General manager Issa Tall stated that repeated failures to uphold expectations led to the decision to remove Higuaín from his post immediately.
What We Know — and What We Don’
Verified by the source:
- Federico Higuaín was the reserve team coach for Columbus Crew.
- The incident happened during a MLS Next Pro league match.
- Higuaín was sent off during the match.
- He was later handed a two-match suspension by MLS.
- Columbus Crew announced his dismissal in a statement from general manager Issa Tall.
Still unconfirmed:
- The exact wording of the alleged comment has not been independently verified.
- The identity of the referee involved remains undisclosed.
- Video footage of the full exchange has not been released.
- It is unclear whether the referee filed a formal complaint.
- Details about any appeals process for Higuaín have not been provided.
Why It Matters
This case highlights growing concerns over abuse and intimidation of referees, particularly women, across global soccer. As leagues expand their focus on inclusion and safety, clubs face pressure to respond decisively to misconduct, regardless of intent or history.
What To Watch
Whether MLS or Columbus Crew releases additional details about the incident. Future policy changes regarding referee conduct could signal broader league reforms.