Tim Hotze

ALT During a recent MLS NEXT Pro match, a male head coach 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. This physical intimidation was compounded by a demeaning, sexist remark to the official: "Don't forget, this is a man's game." MLS NEXT Pro investigated and responded with a two-game suspension and other non-suspension discipline. U.S. Soccer policy states a “forceful grab” like this requires a minimum three-game suspension. Acts of discrimination also require a minimum three-game suspension. MLS NEXT Pro’s own manual also states that coaches are held to “a higher professional standard than players.” The League’s response falls drastically short of the right message to the participants, the referees, and the public. It needs to be reevaluated. Women make every level of this game better. They should not have to endure intimidation or degrading comments to prove it.