Major League Soccer (MLS) club Columbus Crew has dismissed reserve-team coach Federico Higuaín following an incident involving a female referee after a match against Huntsville City FC. Higuaín, who previously spent eight seasons as a player with Columbus, was head coach of Crew 2, the club’s MLS NEXT Pro side.

The incident occurred after the August 23 match, when Higuaín reportedly squeezed the referee’s hand during the post-match handshake and refused to release it despite being told three times to stop. He was subsequently sent off and given a two-match suspension.

According to reports, Higuaín also told the female official, “Don’t forget, this is a man’s game.” The Professional Soccer Referees Association criticised the initial two-match suspension, describing the alleged conduct as physical intimidation and sexism and arguing that the punishment was inadequate.

Columbus Crew general manager Issa Tall said the club decided to dismiss Higuaín after reviewing the incident and assessing the expectations placed on leaders within the organisation. Higuaín had already served the suspension and completed part of a required restorative-practices programme before the club ended his tenure. Crew 2’s technical staff will oversee the team during the upcoming MLS NEXT Pro playoffs while the club searches for a permanent replacement.