The Professional Soccer Referees Association (PSRA) has voiced strong opposition to the MLS NEXT Pro’s handling of a recent incident involving a male head coach and a female referee. They criticized the league after it suspended the unnamed coach for a relatively short period following aggressive behavior during a match.
In a statement released on social media, the PSRA outlined that the coach was penalized for shaking the referee’s hand with excessive force and making derogatory comments about women in soccer, stating, “Don’t forget, this is a man’s game.” The association detailed that during the match, he engaged in two acts of physical intimidation and sexism, including a prolonged grip on the referee’s hand despite her repeated requests to release it.
Reports indicate that the coach identified in this incident is Federico Higuaín of Columbus Crew 2, which is the second-tier team associated with MLS’s Columbus Crew. Columbus Crew has acknowledged that Higuaín was the individual involved in the situation.
The PSRA, which represents referees across various North American leagues, noted that the coach was suspended for two games after an investigation by MLS NEXT Pro. However, they argue that under U.S. Soccer’s guidelines, such behavior should have resulted in a minimum three-game suspension. The association stated, “The League’s response fails to send the appropriate message to referees and the public and calls for a reevaluation of their actions.” They emphasized that female officials should not have to endure intimidation or derogatory remarks to earn respect.
According to ESPN reporter Jeff Carlisle, the incident occurred following Crew 2’s loss to Huntsville City FC on August 23. Higuaín faced suspensions for games on August 30 and September 4, although the announcement regarding these suspensions was not publicized. MLS NEXT Pro confirmed that the incident was investigated promptly and deemed that Higuaín’s conduct warranted further punishment beyond the initial red card.
Alongside his two-game suspension, Higuaín is undergoing a “multi-session restorative practice” training, aimed at fostering respect, accountability, and improved relationships within the league. While Higuaín has begun this training, he has not yet completed it.
Crew 2, in collaboration with the league during the investigation, accepted the additional sanctions imposed on Higuaín. The club stated, “We are committed to fostering an inclusive environment in soccer, grounded in respect and prioritizing culture.” They condemned any actions that oppose their mission of uniting diverse communities through the game.
In a show of solidarity, several female referees shared photos on Instagram with the message “We Belong,” signaling unity in the wake of this incident. Prominent among them was Tori Penso, the first American woman to officiate at the FIFA World Cup.
Federico Higuaín, who hails from Argentina, played for Columbus from 2012 to 2019 and previously coached Inter Miami II before joining Crew 2 in 2025.
Fan Take: This incident underscores the ongoing challenges in creating a respectful and inclusive environment for women in soccer. For fans, it’s crucial as it highlights the need for accountability in the sport, which can ultimately lead to a more equitable playing field for all officials and players.
Source: sports.yahoo.com
