US Soccer Takes Action Over MLS Handling of Referee Misconduct Situation

A handshake that should have ended a soccer match instead became the starting point for a much bigger controversy. Federico Higuain, the former Columbus Crew star who later took charge of the club's reserve side, found himself at the center of scrutiny after an Aug.

What followed was a red card, a two-game suspension, criticism from the referees' union, and, eventually, his dismissal by the Crew. Soccer delivered a pointed message about the people at the center of every match - the referees.

Abuse, discrimination, and behavior that demeans or disrespects a match official have no place in soccer.