{
  "id": 9290263,
  "title": "MLS coach sacked after sexist remark to female referee",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/23/mls-coach-sacked-after-sexist-remark-to-female-referee",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-09-23T06:51:04.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "BBC Sport",
    "slug": "bbc-sport",
    "url": "https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/articles/c6lyr9z9gxwko?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Major League Soccer's Columbus Crew have dismissed their reserve team coach, Federico Higuain, following a sexist remark directed at a female referee. Higuain, brother of former Real Madrid striker Gonzalo Higuain, was sent off the pitch and given a two-match suspension for his behavior during an MLS Next Pro league match.\n\nAccording to the crew's general manager, Issa Tall, the decision to dismiss Higuain was made in the best interest of the club, players, and support staff. The general manager stated that Higuain's actions did not meet the club's standards for leadership.\n\nThe Professional Soccer Referees Association (PSRA) criticized the league's response, arguing that Higuain's two-game ban was insufficient. The PSRA noted that Higuain had committed two deliberate acts of physical abuse and sexism against the female referee. The association stated that Higuain squeezed the referee's hand and refused to let go after being asked to stop multiple times. Additionally, the male coach made a demeaning remark, telling the referee, \"Don't forget, this is a man's game.\"\n\nThe PSRA emphasized that women referees deserve the same respect, dignity, and safe working environment as their male counterparts. They highlighted that female officials have proven their excellence on the world stage and should not have to endure such intimidation or degrading comments to establish their competence.",
  "summary": "Columbus Crew have sacked their reserve team coach, Federico Higuain, after an incident during an MLS Next Pro league match. According to reports, Higuain refused to let go of a female referee's hand and made a sexist remark, saying \"don't forget this is a man's game\".\n\nThe incident led to Higuain being sent off and given a two-match suspension. Columbus Crew general manager Issa Tall stated that the club's standards of what's expected from a leader had not been met, and it was in the best interest of the club to dismiss Higuain from his responsibilities.\n\nThe Professional Soccer Referees Association (PSRA) criticised the league's response, saying Higuain's two-game ban \"falls drastically short\". The referees' union described the incident as \"two deliberate acts of physical abuse and sexism\" against a female official.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 3,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "BBC Sport Football",
        "title": "MLS coach sacked after sexist remark to female referee",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/23/mls-coach-sacked-after-sexist-remark-to-female-referee-9290581",
        "published": "2026-09-23T06:51:04.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "Yahoo Sports",
        "title": "MLS coach sacked after sexist remark to female referee",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/23/mls-coach-sacked-after-sexist-remark-to-female-referee-9290709",
        "published": "2026-09-23T06:51:12.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}