The Columbus Crew, a professional soccer team in the United States' Major League Soccer (MLS), has dismissed its reserve team coach, Federico Higuain, after an incident involving a referee during a match in the MLS NEXT Pro league. According to the referees' association, Higuain, the brother of former Argentine international Gonzalo Higuain, made a sexist comment to a female referee during the game. He reportedly said, "Don't forget that it's a men's sport," while holding her hand tightly and refusing to let go even after she asked him three times to release her. The association accused Higuain of two deliberate acts—physical aggression and sexist behavior—toward the referee. Higuain had already been given a red card and a two-match suspension by the league for the incident. However, the Columbus Crew decided to terminate his contract, citing the need to protect the club's image, players, and staff. General manager Issa Tall stated that the decision was made "in the interest of our club, our players, and our technical staff." According to The Athletic, citing unnamed club sources, Higuain reportedly refused to take personal responsibility for his actions and did not offer a public apology. The referees' association criticized the initial two-match suspension, calling it "largely insufficient" and arguing that it failed to address the severity of the incident. They called for a longer suspension, at least six matches, and emphasized that women play a vital role in soccer at all levels. The association stressed that female referees should not have to endure intimidation or degrading remarks to prove their place in the sport. This incident has sparked broader discussions about respect and accountability in professional sports. While the league has taken disciplinary action, the referees' association and others have called for stronger measures to ensure that all participants—players, coaches, and officials—are treated with dignity and respect. The Columbus Crew's decision to fire Higuain reflects the pressure on teams to maintain a professional and inclusive environment.