MEXICO CITY: Miguel Herrera has been sacked as national coach of Mexico for reportedly punching a journalist in the wake of the team’s Gold Cup triumph on Sunday.

Mexico beat Jamaica 3-1 in the final of the CONCACAF regional championship in Philadelphia to make amends for a disappointing performance in the earlier Copa America.

However Herrera objected to criticism by TV Azteca reporter Christian Martinoli and matters reached a head at Philadelphia airport on the way home.

Decio de Maria, who has just succeeded Justino Compean as president of the Mexican federation, said: “After evaluating the situation and listening to everyone that makes up this family, I’ve made the decision to remove Miguel Herrera from his post. It was very tough for Miguel.”

Martinoli claimed Herrera had threatened him then hit him in the neck in response to critical reporting. Herrera subsequently apologised.

Herrera was appointed in late 2013 after Mexico had sacked three previous coaches in struggling to qualify for the 2014 World Cup finals. His record added up 19 wins, 11 draws and seven defeats. However he upset the FMF earlier this spring by publicly supporting Mexico’s Green Party in elections, incurring a fine for a breach of ethics.

Mexico need a new coach for the October 9 play-off against the United States for CONCACAF’s slot at the Confederations Cup in 2017.

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