The Columbus Crew fired Crew 2 head coach Federico Higuaín on Tuesday following a mid-game incident on Aug.
In a stunning twist that would make even the most seasoned soap opera writers raise an eyebrow, Federico Higuain, brother of soccer star Gonzalo Higuain, was recently sacked from his role as reserve team manager for the Columbus Crew. The reason? He decided it was a good idea to tell a female referee, “this is a man’s game.” Yes, you read that right. Apparently, someone forgot to tell him that the 21st century is a thing.
This incident occurred during a match on August 23rd, when Federico, perhaps channeling his inner caveman, made the remark after a call he didn’t agree with. But wait, it gets better. Not only did he verbally insult the referee, but he also thought it necessary to physically intimidate her by refusing to let go of her hand. Nothing says ‘I respect your authority’ quite like a game of tug-of-war with a referee.
After the incident, the Columbus Crew initially opted for a two-match suspension, which, let’s be honest, is about as effective as putting a Band-Aid on a broken leg. Thankfully, the Professional Soccer Referees Association stepped in and said, “Hold up, we need to talk about what just happened here.” Following an internal review, the Crew decided that a two-match suspension was not nearly enough for such a blatant act of sexism and intimidation. And just like that, Federico found himself without a job.
Now, you might be wondering what goes through someone’s mind when they make a comment like that during a professional match. Did he think he was on a reality show where the most outrageous comment wins a prize? Or maybe he just missed the memo that women have been officiating in sports for decades now? It’s 2023, Federico! Women are not only playing sports but also breaking records, shattering glass ceilings, and officiating games without needing a man to validate their existence.
The fallout from this incident has sparked a larger conversation about sexism in sports. It’s not just about one guy making a fool of himself; it’s about the culture that allows such comments to be made in the first place. We’ve seen this time and time again: a lack of respect for women in sports, whether it’s players, coaches, or referees. It’s high time we change the narrative and start treating everyone equally, regardless of gender.
So, what’s next for Federico Higuain? Well, he might have to take a long, hard look in the mirror and reflect on his actions—or perhaps enroll in a sensitivity training class. And let’s hope he learns that the only thing that should be on the field is sportsmanship, not outdated notions of masculinity.
In conclusion, while it’s easy to laugh at the absurdity of the situation, it’s important to remember that this isn’t just about one man’s poor judgment. It’s about creating an inclusive environment in sports where everyone, regardless of gender, can feel respected and valued. So here’s to hoping that the next time someone thinks about making a comment like Federico’s, they’ll stop, think, and realize that this is everyone’s game.
Inspired by: “Gonzalo Higuain’s brother sacked by MLS club after telling female referee ‘this is a man’s game’” (r/World)