Sports Roundup: MLS Coach Sacked for Sexist Remark, Disney+ Faces Backlash, and England Stars Carry World Cup Wounds

A Columbus Crew reserve team coach was dismissed following a sexist remark directed at a female referee, headlining a busy Tuesday in international sport that also saw broadcasting controversy in the Women's Champions League and England football and cricket players making headlines on September 23, 2026.

MLS Coach Dismissed Over Sexist Remark to Female Referee

Major League Soccer club Columbus Crew terminated their reserve team coach after he refused to release a female referee's hand and told her, "don't forget this is a man's game," according to BBC Sport. The incident drew swift condemnation and prompted the club to act decisively, resulting in the coach's immediate dismissal. The episode has reignited broader conversations about gender discrimination in professional football and the treatment of female officials across the sport.

Disney+ Under Fire for Unscheduled Ad Break in Women's Champions League

Broadcasting platform Disney+ faced significant criticism from viewers after an unscheduled advertisement break interrupted live coverage of Arsenal's Women's Champions League opener on Tuesday. According to The Guardian, fans were unable to view the action for approximately three minutes, with around 15 minutes remaining in Arsenal's 1-0 victory over Danish side HB Køge. The break was understood to have been unintended, BBC Sport reported, though the disruption compounded an already chaotic broadcast that also featured a dog on set, a vegetable platter, and a rotating studio floor, according to BBC Sport. Critics argued the technical failures reflected poorly on the level of investment and professionalism afforded to the women's game.

England Football Players Still Haunted by World Cup Exit

England winger Bukayo Saka has acknowledged that the national football squad continues to carry the emotional "scar" of their heartbreaking World Cup semi-final defeat to Argentina, according to BBC Sport. Saka's comments suggest the painful exit remains a significant psychological burden for the squad as they navigate subsequent international commitments. The admission underscores the lasting impact of high-stakes tournament defeats on player mentality and team cohesion.

Will Jacks Delivers Career-Best Performance Days After Emergency Surgery

In cricket, England all-rounder Will Jacks produced his career-best 50-over bowling figures on Tuesday – a remarkable achievement given that he had been rushed to hospital for emergency surgery just days earlier while on a weekend away. "It was scary," Jacks said, as reported by BBC Sport. His return to the field and subsequent match-winning performance was described as a swift and dramatic turnaround that surprised teammates and supporters alike.

Republic of Ireland to Address Israel Fixture Controversy

Meanwhile, Republic of Ireland defender Dara O'Shea confirmed that the squad intends to discuss their approach to Sunday's politically sensitive fixture against Israel, though those conversations will be deferred until after Thursday's match against Kosovo, BBC Sport reported. "It can't be brushed over," O'Shea said, signaling that players are taking the matter seriously amid ongoing geopolitical tensions surrounding the fixture.

*Sources: BBC Sport, The Guardian*