MLS coach axed for telling female ref 'It's a man's game'

"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. "Higuain during follow-up talks with the club was "unwilling to reflect or take accountability for his actions, nor did he offer a public apology," the Athletic reported, citing anonymous club sources.

The incident occurred during a game in MLS's developmental MLS NEXT Pro league. ' union, Higuain "committed two deliberate acts of physical abuse and sexism against a female official -- squeezing her hand and refusing to let go after being.

"This physical intimidation was compounded by a demeaning, sexist remark to the official: 'Don't forget, this is a man's game,'" said the Professional Soccer Referees Association. The union criticized the league's initial two-game suspension as falling "drastically short," and called for at least a six-game suspension.

"Women make every level of this game better. They should not have to endure intimidation or degrading comments to prove it," it said in a statement. "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. "