Coach Miguel Herrera Fired After Punching Journalist in Neck
After winning the CONCACAF Gold Cup, the Mexican national soccer team has fired its coach under unusual circumstances.
The San Francisco Chronicle reported Mexican coach Miguel Herrera was fired after a journalist claimed Herrera punched him in the neck. Reports state the incident took place on Monday at Philadelphia International Airport with Television Azteca's Christian Martinoli. Martinoli, who has been critical of Herrera throughout the tournament, claimed Herrera punched him.
"I looked down to avoid any kind of provocation and suddenly feel a blow to the neck on the right side of my body," Martinoli said about the incident, according to ESPN FC. "The next thing I see when I look up Luis Garcia is separating a madman who threw punches and kicks while I was insulted." Martinoli went on to say Herrera said, "It will be like this everytime we meet."
Azteca TV demanded an investigation on the incident. The TV station made a statement regarding this matter: "The behavior of the manager of the national team is strange to us and worries us enormously, The federation shouldn't allow attacks like that suffered by our partner Christian Martinoli at the hands of Mr. Herrera."
After this news story broke, Soccer Federation head Decio de Maria announced the firing of Herrera.
"After listening to all my colleagues who are part of this federation, and reasoning I have made the decision to take Miguel Herrera out of the national team," De Maria said. "It is not a simple decision, but it is the correct one."
Herrera denied any wrongdoing.
The Mexican national soccer team recently defeated Jamaica 3-1 at Lincoln Financial Field in the CONCACAF Gold Cup Final this past Sunday.
It is not known who will replace Herrera as head coach of the national team.
Below is footage of Herrera after the brawl:
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