Federico Higuain sacked by Columbus Crew after making sexist comment in MLS Next Pro match

[p]Higuain, the brother of former Argentina and Real Madrid forward Gonzalo Higuain, had already received a red card and a two-match suspension for the incident before the team dismissed him.[/p][p]"[b]We determined it's in the best interest of our Club, players and support staff to dismiss [a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/player/higuain-federico/INDwjf0G/"]Federico Higuaín[/a] from his responsibilities,[/b]" said [a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/team/columbus-crew/pQ8rarA7/"]Columbus Crew[/a] general manager Issa Tall.[/p][p]"[b]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.[/b]"[/p][p]Higuain during follow-up talks with the club was "[b]unwilling to reflect or take accountability for his actions, nor did he offer a public apology,[/b]" the Athletic reported, citing anonymous club sources.[/p][embed guid="92b04691-8bdf-47fd-865c-8e4e8adcdd82" url="https://x.com/ColumbusCrew/status/2102499496672325711?s=20" social-type="twitter" /][p]The incident occurred during a game in MLS's developmental MLS NEXT Pro league.[/p][p]According to the referees' union, Higuain "[b]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.[/b][/p][p]"[b]This physical intimidation was compounded by a demeaning, sexist remark to the official: 'Don't forget, this is a man's game,'[/b]" said the Professional Soccer Referees Association.[/p][p]The union criticized the league's initial two-game suspension as falling "drastically short," and called for at least a six-game suspension.[/p][p]"[b]Women make every level of this game better. They should not have to endure intimidation or degrading comments to prove it,[/b]" it said in a statement.[/p][p]"[b]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.[/b]"[/p]