Miguel Herrera’s crazy ways on the sidelines made him a legend at the 2014 FIFA World Cup, but his passion might have recently boiled over, potentially landing him in serious trouble.
TV Azteca journalist Christian Martinoli accused Herrera, the head coach of Mexico’s national soccer team, of hitting him and challenging him to a fight Monday at Philadelphia International Airport, newspaper AS Mexico reports. The alleged incident occurred hours after Mexico’s 3-1 win over Jamaica in the 2015 Gold Cup final Sunday.
Martinoli, who reportedly had criticized Herrera and Mexico during the Gold Cup, told AS Mexico that Herrera and his daughter approached him from behind while he was waiting in the security line. Martinoli claims Herrera then punched him in the neck and ordered him to come outside so they can “fix this like it should be fixed (in the street).”
Univision reported Tuesday that Mexico players Giovani dos Santos and Jonathan dos Santos posted messages on Twitter in support of Herrera’s actions toward Martinoli. The dos Santos brothers since have deleted the tweets.
If claims of Herrera’s altercation with Martinoli are true, the pressure on Mexico’s boss could dramatically increase. Mexico’s performances before the Gold Cup final were underwhelming, and some “El Tri” observers were calling for Herrara to step down if Mexico failed to win the Gold Cup.
Herrera led Mexico to victory, but his place in the dugout for the all-important 2017 FIFA Confederations Cup playoff game against the United States in October isn’t guaranteed.
Thumbnail photo via Winslow Townson/USA TODAY Sports
