Mexico coach sorry for ‘painful incident’ that led to sacking

Miguel Herrera has made a public apology after he was fired for punching a TV reporter just two days after leading Mexico to victory in the Gold Cup.

Herrera was sacked by the incoming federation president Decio de Maria, who said Herrera’s conduct was not in keeping with “the spirit of fair and respectful competition” the organisation is known for.

Christian Martinoli, a journalist with TV Azteca accused Herrera, of punching him as the pair waited in the TSA line at Philadelphia airport on Monday, a day after Mexico’s 3-1 victory over Jamaica.

“After listening to all my colleagues, I have made the decision to take Miguel Herrera out of the national team. It is not a simple decision, but it is the correct one,” De Maria said.

“Matches never finish, and as public figures we have to keep that in mind. Everyone has had an opinion, but our values have to be kept, and no one can be above the type of situation we saw on Monday at the Philadelphia airport.”

The 47-year old coach has now apologised to his players, his staff, fans, the federation and the media for his conduct in “the painful incident I had with a commentator”.

“It is clear to me that this is not the attitude that a coach for the Mexican national team should take, despite having received all manner of criticisms, offenses and mockery of my family and my person,” he said in a statement.

Herrera, affectionately known by his nickname, El Piojo, or “the Louse”, became famous for his effusive celebrations on the touchline during the 2014 World Cup.

He led his side to the last 16 in Brazil and followed that up by guiding them to a seventh Gold Cup win in July.