Adios, Piojo: Miguel Herrera sacked as manager of Mexico

It was fun while it lasted.

The Federacion Mexicana de Futbol (FMF) announced the sacking of manager Miguel Herrera on Tuesday, bringing an end to his tumultuous stint at the helm of Mexico's national team.

It was only two days ago that Herrera captured Mexico's seventh Gold Cup title courtesy of a 3-1 win versus Jamaica. The celebrations were overshadowed, however, by the fact that El Tri only reached the final after being awarded controversial last-minute penalties in both the quarterfinals and semifinals and an overall form that was far below the Mexican public's expectations.

Accusations from Azteca television commentator Christian Martinoli also did Herrera no favours. Martinoli alleged that he was assaulted by Herrera on Monday morning at Philadelphia International Airport as Mexico was preparing to return home from the Gold Cup, claiming that he was hit in the neck before being separated by player-turned-commentator Luis Garcia.

Related: Television commentator accuses Mexico manager Miguel Herrera of assault

Whether Herrera's sacking was a direct result of Martinoli's accusations is unknown, but it's worth noting that at the press conference in which Piojo was relieved of his duties, FMF executive president Decio de Maria addressed the incident almost immediately, saying: "Violence doesn't fit in our family and even less so in any sport."

De Maria also added: "Results can not be put above our laws, regulations, and the freedom of expression."

Herrera's tenure as manager of Mexico, which kicked off in October of 2013, saw him accumulate a modest record by El Tri's standards in which the team scored almost two goals for each goal conceded.

Among his accomplishments was a 9-3 aggregate victory over New Zealand to book El Tri's place at last year's World Cup, where the team escaped from its group and was controversially eliminated after falling to the Netherlands in the round of 16.

Regarding who will be Herrera's successor, de Maria stated: "At the right moment, decisions will be made that will need to be announced to you and the supporters."

Whoever ends up being appointed will be Mexico's 15th manager since 1999.

Until another manager steps into the FMF's rotating door, supporters of Mexico will hopefully reflect on what was surely one of the most colourful coaching stints Mexican football has ever witnessed - and one the most animated of celebrations.