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FIFA clears World Cup referee accused of making white supremacist gesture Australian referee Shaun Evans said he didn’t intend to 'communicate a message, affiliation, game or belief of any kind'

VAR official says hand gesture was 'involuntary, subconscious twitch ... Video assistant referee Shaun Evans says an ‘OK’ sign hand gesture was “an involuntary, subconscious twitch” after he was cleared by a Fifa investigation. Evans said that he was “unaware” of making the hand movement and denied “intentionally” attempting to “communicate a message, affiliation, game or belief of any kind”. The Australian could be seen making the fingers of his right hand into a upside down ‘OK’ sign when Fifa cut to a shot of the VAR team at the referee hub in Dallas before Germany’s 7-1 win over Curacao on Sunday. Such a gesture has two very distinct meanings – one harmless and the other connected to an expression of white supremacy. World governing body Fifa said after looking into the matter that it found “no evidence of breaches of the Fifa Disciplinary Code”. The incident was immediately subject to a huge amount of speculation on social media. “The coverage following this incident simply does not reflect who I am,” Evans said in a statement issued by Fifa. “Of course, I understand how the gesture has been interpreted and I regret this, however I want to be very clear and categorically say …

‘Involuntary twitch’: Why FIFA cleared WC referee over alleged 'neo-Nazi' gesture FIFA has cleared Australian video review official Shaun Evans of any wrongdoing after investigating a hand gesture resembling a white supremacist symbol. The governing body's disciplinary committee found no evidence of a breach, accepting Evans' explanation of an unintentional, subconscious twitch. Anti-discrimination groups had called for his removal, but FIFA's ruling allows him to continue at the World Cup.

World Cup ref accused of making 'white power' gesture on ... - LADbible Home > News > Sport Updated 09:02 15 Jun 2026 GMT+1 Published 09:00 15 Jun 2026 GMT+1 World Cup ref accused of making ‘white power’ gesture on TV before game Anti-discrimination network Fare say the referee should 'have no further role to play in this World Cup' Jess Battison Follow us on Google Discover During this World Cup so far, it’s become part of the bread and butter for the TV cameras to show the officials before kick off. But during Sunday’s (14 June) Germany vs Curacao match at the Houston Stadium in Texas , a member of the VAR team is said to have made a controversial gesture. It’s alleged that when Shaun Evans was shown on TV alongside his fellow officials, he briefly made a ‘white power’ symbol with his hand. Stood beside his World Cup colleagues, the Australian appeared to outstretch his fingers as his thumb and index finger touched beside his leg. Advert Historically a symbol to mean ‘ok’ or as a bit of a harmless prank on your mates, when this gesture is upside down it has links as a ‘white power symbol’. Australian referee Shaun Evans. (Robert Cianflone/Getty Images) It was quickly spotted by …

World Cup racism monitor urges FIFA to remove match official over hand ... GENEVA (AP) — FIFA’s discrimination monitor at theWorld Cupcalled Monday for a video review official to be removed for appearing to make ahand gesture resemblinga white supremacist sign. When the official broadcast of Germany's opening game against Curaçao on Sunday cut pre-game to show the team of video review analysts, Shaun Evans from Australia made an “OK” symbol with his right hand in front of his right leg. Though the game was played in Houston, video officials work in Dallas at the World Cup broadcast center. In 2019, the gesture— with thumb and forefinger touched in a circle and other fingers outstretched — was designated a hate symbol by the New York-based Anti-Defamation League. “Advice from our experts is that the gesture used clearly resembles an upside down ‘OK’ hand symbol used as a ‘white power’ symbol in global far-right circles,” the Fare network, a long-timepartner of FIFA and European soccer body UEFAto monitor racist and discriminatory chants, flags and symbols at international games, said in a statement. “Clearly this official should have no further role to play in this World Cup,” …

Fifa seeking answers after VAR official accused of 'far-right' hand ... Fifa are seeking answers after a World Cup VAR made a hand gesture used by white supremacists in a clip prior to the Germany v Curacao match on Sunday. Australian official Shaun Evans made the upside-down ‘OK’ symbol with his right hand as the broadcast feed cut to the ‘meet the team’ section for the VARs before kick-off. The gesture is used in the completely harmless ‘circle game’ but has also been used by far-right supporters and the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) added it to a list of hate symbols in 2019. Fifa are understood to be aware of the incident and seeking answers from Evans as to why he made the gesture. READ MORE World Cup 2026 schedule: Your complete guide to the fixtures and results San Fran joins the World Cup party - sort of. Thankfully there are Mexican fans and Irish pubs World Cup 2026, Day 4: For one brief, glorious moment there was a massive tricolour at the World Cup World Cup 2026: The ruthless rise of Gianni Infantino FIFA is seeking an explanation over a hand gesture made by video assistant referee Shaun Evans before Germany's 7-1 win over Curaçao When the camera cut to the VAR room on…

FIFA clears referee accused of making 'White power' gesture FIFA World Cup 2026 LIVE 4m ago LIVE 8m ago Shaun Evans made a gesture during a game broadcast that was interpreted by some as symbolising White power, which he has now denied.Brendon Thorne / Getty Images FIFA has cleared the referee at the centre of a controversy over an alleged “White power” gesture, who has denied intentionally doing so and instead called it an “involuntary, subconscious twitch”. Ahead of Germany’s 7-1 victory over Curaçao on Sunday, support video assistant referee Shaun Evans was pictured making the hand gesture when match coverage cut to the video referee studio. Advertisement The gesture, in which the thumb and index finger touch while the other fingers of the hand are held outstretched, has historically been perceived as meaning OK. However, in recent years, it has been used to symbolize ‘White power’, with the three remaining fingers spelling W for White and the thumb and index finger enabling a P to be drawn for Power. The anti-discrimination Fare network, which specializes in challenging inequalities in football, said on Sunday that advice from its experts is that Evans’ gesture “cl…

FIFA World Cup faces backlash after officials' on-camera gesture sparks racism concerns #FIFAWorldCup #WorldCup2026 #Football #Soccer #AntiRacism #EqualGame #SportsNews #FootballNews #FIFA #BreakingNews www.easterneye.biz/fifa-world-c...

World Cup referee accused of making 'White power' gesture during game ... Shaun Evans regularly officiates in the Australian A-League.Scott Gardiner/Getty Images A World Cup referee has been accused of making a “White power” hand gesture when match coverage cut to the video referee studio during Germany’s 7-1 victory over Curaçao on Sunday. The gesture, in which the thumb and index finger touch while the other fingers of the hand are held outstretched, has historically been perceived as meaning OK. However, in recent years, it has been used to symbolize White power, with the three remaining fingers spelling W for White and the thumb and index finger enabling a P to be drawn for Power. Advertisement The Australian White supremacist Brenton Tarrant made the symbol during a 2019 courtroom appearance following his arrest for murdering 50 people in a shooting at mosques in New Zealand. Australian referee Shaun Evans appeared to place his hand into the position Sunday when the cameras cut to the studio. A FIFA spokesperson said the organization was aware of the incident but declined to comment further.The Athleticalso extended the right of reply to the official via FIFA. @FOXSpor…

World Cup referee accused of making 'white power' gesture during TV ... FIFA are investigating the matter (Picture: X) A World Cup referee has been accused of making a ‘white power’ gesture during TV coverage of Germany’s 7-1 win over Curacao on Sunday. It has become customary during this World Cup for TV cameras to provide a shot of the VAR officiating team before matches kick off. Shaun Evans was part of the VAR team that appeared on screen before Germany’s World Cup opener at the Houston Stadium in Texas and the Australian briefly made a gesture with his hand that has previously been associated with white supremacy movements. The gesture in which the thumb and index finger touch while the other fingers are outstretched has historically meant ‘okay’ or been used as part of a harmless playground prank. It's finally here Get everything you need to know about the World Cup – England updates, the games to watch and stories you missed – in five minutes, at 1pm, every day. Sign up here . However, anti-discrimination network Fare (Football Against Racism in Europe) say when used upside down, the gesture has links to ‘global far-right circles’ as a ‘white power symbol’. In 2019, Brenton…

FIFA Investigates Controversial VAR Gesture Amidst Speculation and ... Home Football FIFA Investigates Controversial VAR Gesture Amidst Speculation and Social Media Backlash Football FIFA Investigates Controversial VAR Gesture Amidst Speculation and Social Media Backlash By: News Desk Date: June 15, 2026 Facebook X Pinterest WhatsApp FIFA Investigates Controversial Hand Gesture During World Cup Coverage Concerns Arise Over Referee’s Gesture In a developing story that has captured the attention of football fans and analysts alike, FIFA is seeking clarification regarding a hand gesture made by video assistant referee Shaun Evans before Germany’s commanding 7-1 victory over Curacao. The incident, which occurred during a pre-match segment, has ignited a wave of speculation and debate, particularly given the dual interpretations of the gesture involved. As part of its global broadcast strategy for the World Cup, FIFA has been showcasing the officiating team prior to matches. This includes a presentation of referees walking to the touchline, alongside graphics displaying their names and roles. The broadcast then transitions to the VAR team situated in Dallas, where the officials have be…

World Cup racism monitor urges FIFA to remove match official over hand ... AP World Cup racism monitor urges FIFA to remove match official over hand gesture on TV broadcast Geneva: FIFA's discrimination monitor at the World Cup called Monday for a video review official to be removed for appearing to make a hand gesture resembling a white supremacist sign . When the official broadcast of Germany's opening game against Curacao on Sunday cut pre-game to show the team of video review analysts, Shaun Evans from Australia made an "OK" symbol with his right hand in front of his right leg. Though the game was played in Houston, video officials work in Dallas at the World Cup broadcast center. In 2019, the gesture - with thumb and forefinger touched in a circle and other fingers outstretched - was designated a hate symbol by the New York-based Anti-Defamation League. "Advice from our experts is that the gesture used clearly resembles an upside down 'OK' hand symbol used as a 'white power' symbol in global far-right circles," the Fare network, a long-time partner of FIFA and European soccer body UEFA to monitor racist and discriminatory chants, flags and symbols at international games, said…

Fifa urged to remove World Cup VAR official over alleged white ... Fifa ’s discrimination monitor at the World Cup has called for the removal of a video review official after he appeared to make a hand gesture resembling a white supremacist sign. Shaun Evans, an Australian official, was seen making an "OK" symbol with his right hand in front of his right leg when the official broadcast of Germany 's opening game against Curaçao on Sunday cut pre-game to show the team of video review analysts. Though the game was played in Houston, video officials work in Dallas at the World Cup broadcast centre. The gesture, with thumb and forefinger touched in a circle and other fingers outstretched, was designated a hate symbol by the New York-based Anti-Defamation League in 2019. “Advice from our experts is that the gesture used clearly resembles an upside down ‘OK’ hand symbol used as a ‘white power’ symbol in global far-right circles,” the Fare network, a long-time partner of Fifa and European soccer body UEFA to monitor racist and discriminatory chants, flags and symbols at international games, said in a statement. “Clearly this official should have no further role to play in this World Cup,…

World Cup racism monitor urges FIFA to remove match official over hand ... The pitch is seen in this general view during the World Cup Group E soccer match between Germany and Curacao in Houston, Sunday, June 14, 2026. (AP Photo/Michael Wyke) GENEVA (AP) — FIFA’s discrimination monitor at theWorld Cupcalled Monday for a video review official to be removed for appearing to make ahand gesture resemblinga white supremacist sign. When the official broadcast of Germany’s opening game against Curaçao on Sunday cut pre-game to show the team of video review analysts, Shaun Evans from Australia made an “OK” symbol with his right hand in front of his right leg. Though the game was played in Houston, video officials work in Dallas at the World Cup broadcast center. In 2019, the gesture— with thumb and forefinger touched in a circle and other fingers outstretched — was designated a hate symbol by the New York-based Anti-Defamation League. “Advice from our experts is that the gesture used clearly resembles an upside down ‘OK’ hand symbol used as a ‘white power’ symbol in global far-right circles,” the Fare network, a long-timepartner of FIFA and European soccer body UEFAto monitor racist a…

FIFA World Cup Referee Sparks Outrage with 'White Supremacy' H... FIFA World Cup Referee Sparks Outrage with 'White Supremacy' Hand Gesture During Broadcast [VIDEO] By Manthan C. June 15, 2026 13:27 +08 Shaun Evans (left) and in a still from the video circulating on social media from Sunday's broadcast X A video assistant referee (VAR) has sparked controversy after he appeared to make a hand gesture before Germany's World Cup 7-1 win against Curaçao in Houston on Sunday. The incident was captured on a live broadcast, which initially showed the on-field crew before the camera cut to three officials who were tasked with handling the reviews out of FIFA's international broadcast center in Dallas, as reported by the New York Post. Video referee Hamza El Fario and assistant Nicolas Gallo were seen sitting at a desk in front of their monitors while Shaun Evans, the supervisor, is seen standing in the background. Moments later, Evans, who is from Australia, appeared to flash what viewers believe to be a "white power" OK sign with his right hand, where the thumb and index finder touched and the other fingers were outstretched. Evans, who can be seen smiling, kept the hand sign steady for …

Fifa urged to remove World Cup referee over 'white supremacy' gesture LAST UPDATE|36 mins ago Australian Shaun Evans (left) made the gesture while being introduced as a video assistant referee at the tournament. A WORLD CUP referee has denied intentionally making a white supremacist gesture at the opening of a match. Fifa had been urged to remove Australian Shaun Evans, a video assistant referee (VAR), after he was broadcast making a gesture, which he has since claimed was a “subconscious twitch”. He was working atGermany’s game against Curaçaoon Sunday, where Germany finished ahead, 7-1. During the opening of the match, the broadcast cut to the room where the VAR team were working in the referee hub in Dallas. Briefly focusing on match officials before the game kicks off has made up part of the World Cup’s match coverage. Evans was broadcast holding his pointer finger to his thumb in an upside-down ‘OK’ sign, with his other fingers outstretched. The gesture has been associated with white supremacy for a number of years, with sporting organisations recognising it as such. In a statement to the Times, Evans said: “I would like to clarify that I did not intentionally make a h…

World Cup racism monitor urges FIFA to remove match official over hand ... Facebook Twitter WhatsApp SMS Email The pitch is seen in this general view during the World Cup Group E soccer match between Germany and Curacao in Houston, Sunday, June 14, 2026. Michael Wyke - FR33763 AP Facebook Twitter WhatsApp SMS Email Print Copy article link Save GENEVA (AP) — FIFA’s discrimination monitor at the World Cup called Monday for a video review official to be removed for appearing to make a hand gesture resembling a white supremacist sign. When the official broadcast of Germany's opening game against Curaçao on Sunday cut pre-game to show the team of video review analysts, Shaun Evans from Australia made an “OK” symbol with his right hand in front of his right leg. Though the game was played in Houston, video officials work in Dallas at the World Cup broadcast center. In 2019, the gesture — with thumb and forefinger touched in a circle and other fingers outstretched — was designated a hate symbol by the New York-based Anti-Defamation League. “Advice from our experts is that the gesture used clearly resembles an upside down ‘OK’ hand symbol used as a ‘white power’ symbol in global far-right…

'FIFA to Investigate' Referee Shaun Evans Over World Cup Hand Gesture By Rob Swan Published Jun 15, 2026, 7:33 AM GMT+1 Rob is senior football editor at GiveMeSport, with over 15 years experience covering sport in various capacities since graduating from the University of Gloucestershire in 2008 with a degree in journalism. A childhood obsession for all things football developed into a career writing about the beautiful game, initially producing content for clients including Luton Town Football Club and the PGMOL. His first big interviews were with Premier League referees Howard Webb and Michael Oliver in 2009. He then spent four years producing written content for a betting website, mainly focusing on football, and was there to cover various games and tournaments including the 2010 World Cup and Euro 2012. Rob joined GiveMeSport in 2013 (initially as a sub-editor before becoming a senior writer and then senior editor in 2020) and has covered countless football matches and other sporting events, interviewed various high-profile figures including Rio Ferdinand, Peter Crouch and Theo Walcott, and written well over 10,000 articles during that time. Rob has played a key role in GiveMe…

Watch: Controversial hand gesture during Germany vs Curacao goes viral Shaun Evans, a referee involved in the FIFA World Cup 2026, is under scrutiny after allegedly making an upside-down 'OK' gesture during Germany's match against Curacao. Critics claim the sign is linked to white supremacist groups, prompting Fare Network to demand his removal. FIFA has yet to comment, while the gesture has sparked controversy in sport before.

World Cup racism monitor urges FIFA to remove match official over hand ... GENEVA (AP) — FIFA’s discrimination monitor at the World Cup called Monday for a video review official to be removed for appearing to make a hand gesture resembling a white supremacist sign. When the official broadcast ofGermany'sopening game againstCuracaoon Sunday cut pre-game to show the team of video review analysts, Shaun Evans fromAustraliamade an “OK” symbol with his right hand in front of his right leg. Though the game was played in Houston, video officials work in Dallas at the World Cup broadcast center. In 2019, the gesture — with thumb and forefinger touched in a circle and other fingers outstretched — was designated a hate symbol by the New York-based Anti-Defamation League. “Advice from our experts is that the gesture used clearly resembles an upside down ‘OK’ hand symbol used as a ‘white power’ symbol in global far-right circles,” the Fare network, a long-time partner of FIFA and European soccer body UEFA to monitor racist and discriminatory chants, flags and symbols at international games, said in a statement. “Clearly this official should have no further role to play in this World Cup,”…

World Cup racism monitor urges FIFA to remove match official over hand ... Facebook Twitter WhatsApp SMS Email Linkedin Facebook Twitter WhatsApp SMS Email Print Copy article link Save Linkedin GENEVA (AP) — FIFA’s discrimination monitor at the World Cup called Monday for a video review official to be removed for appearing to make a hand gesture resembling a white supremacist sign. When the official broadcast of Germany's opening game against Curaçao on Sunday cut pre-game to show the team of video review analysts, Shaun Evans from Australia made an “OK” symbol with his right hand in front of his right leg. Though the game was played in Houston, video officials work in Dallas at the World Cup broadcast center. In 2019, the gesture — with thumb and forefinger touched in a circle and other fingers outstretched — was designated a hate symbol by the New York-based Anti-Defamation League. “Advice from our experts is that the gesture used clearly resembles an upside down ‘OK’ hand symbol used as a ‘white power’ symbol in global far-right circles,” the Fare network, a long-time partner of FIFA and European soccer body UEFA to monitor racist and discriminatory chants, flags and symbols at…