By Prof Dr Ian Blackshaw
It has been reported that the Major League Soccer (MLS) Club, Columbus Crew, have dismissed their reserve team coach, Federico Higuain, after he refused to let go of a female referee's hand and remarked "don't forget this is a man's game" during an MLS Next Pro league match.
He was sent off and given a two-match suspension, but, after further consideration by the Club, he was dismissed.
Issa Tall, the General Manager of the Club, stated that:
"We determined it's in the best interest of our club, players and support staff to dismiss Federico Higuain from his responsibilities."
And added that:
"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."
The Referees’ Union remarked that:
"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.' “
And added that:
"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."
One could hardly disagree with that!
Prof Dr Ian Blackshaw may be contacted by e-mail at ‘