From BBC Sport · · 1m 10s
Columbus Crew fires coach for sexism toward female referee
MLS club dismisses reserve team coach after he grabbed a referee's hand and said the sport is 'a man's game'.
In brief
MLS club dismisses reserve team coach after he grabbed a referee's hand and said the sport is 'a man's game'. Sexist conduct and physical intimidation toward female officials can result in termination, though some argue consequences should be stronger. Originally reported by BBC Sport.
Coach fired for sexist remark
Columbus Crew dismissed reserve team coach Federico Higuain after he grabbed a female referee's hand and told her 'don't forget this is a man's game' during an MLS Next Pro match.
“don't forget this is a man's game”
Initial punishment was lighter
Higuain was sent off and given a two-match suspension for the incident before the club decided to fire him entirely.
Club cites leadership standards
General manager Issa Tall said the dismissal was necessary because Higuain's conduct failed to meet the club's standards for leaders.
“our club's standards of what's expected from a leader for one of our teams have not been met”
Referees union says ban too light
The Professional Soccer Referees Association criticized the two-game suspension as falling drastically short for deliberate physical abuse and sexism.
“falls drastically short”
Union defends female officials
The referees' union stated that female officials deserve the same respect and safe working environment as male officials and have proven their excellence at every level.
“Women make every level of this game better”
What it means
Sexist conduct and physical intimidation toward female officials can result in termination, though some argue consequences should be stronger.
