Less than 24 hours after winning the regional CONCACAF Gold Cup tournament, Mexican soccer coach Miguel “Piojo” Herrera was removed from his job after allegedly punching a journalist at the Philadelphia International Airport.
“No one can be above this type of situation,” said incoming Mexican Soccer Federation President Decio de Maria. “Everyone has an opinion but our values have to be kept.”
Herrera later issued a statement apologizing for the physical altercation with TV Azteca journalist Christian Martinoli but claimed he did not strike him. The incident apparently was not captured on airport security cameras.
Herrera, 47, had just guided Mexico, usually referred to as El Tri, to its seventh Gold Cup title, downing Jamaica 3-1 in Sunday’s sold-out final in Philadelphia. There was every reason for celebration, especially since the team’s performances during the tournament had been poor and criticized in the Mexican media. El Tri atoned in the final, putting on an excellent display to lift the trophy.
Herrera is a feisty character who wears his heart on his sleeve. He became an Internet and media sensation for his exuberant sideline celebrations every time Mexico scored a goal in the 2014 World Cup. But his reluctance to accept criticism, especially from the media, often led to uncomfortable press conferences and interviews.
Azteca’s Martinoli was one of Herrera’s fiercest critics and had made no bones about his unhappiness with El Tri’s performances throughout the tournament, as well as during the Copa America in June, when Mexican failed to get past the first round.
The incident occurred as players and journalists were waiting to board a plane back to Mexico. Martinoli said Herrera struck him in the neck and then threatened him.
During his time in charge of El Tri, Herrera won 18 games, tied 11 and lost seven.
A replacement will need to be found soon, as Mexico face the United States in early September in a decider to see which nation qualifies for the 2017 Confederations Cup in Russia.