FIFA is set to launch an investigation after an official was accused of making a hand gesture associated with white supremacy during a World Cup match. Australian referee Shaun Evans, serving as support VAR during Germany's 7-1 victory over Curacao in Group E on Sunday, appeared to make an upside-down 'OK' signal with his right hand resting on his thigh as the broadcast cut to the match officials in the VAR room before kick-off.
Gesture Linked to Far-Right Extremism
The gesture has long been linked to the 'white power' movement. Australian white supremacist Brenton Tarrant made the same symbol when he appeared in court following his 2019 arrest for the murder of 50 people in an attack on two mosques in New Zealand. In 2019, the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) declared that the OK symbol had become a 'popular trolling tactic' amongst 'right-leaning individuals'. However, the ADL also maintains that the 'overwhelming usage' of the hand gesture remains one of approval, or to indicate that someone is OK. 'Particular care must be taken not to jump to conclusions about the intent behind someone who has used the gesture,' the ADL stated. Nevertheless, it can serve as a 'sincere expression of white supremacy'. The BBC confirmed in 2019 that the 'OK' hand gesture had been formally added to its list of hate symbols.
Previous Incidents
At the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris, a man had his accreditation withdrawn for apparently making the gesture during a women's skateboarding final. The individual was subsequently identified as a subcontractor who seemed to make the hand signal twice while positioned behind athletes during the competition.
FIFA and Evans Respond
FIFA have been approached for comment. The right of reply is being extended to Evans through football's global governing body. Evans began his career as a part-time match official while working as a bricklayer. The Melbourne native commenced officiating in Australia's A-League as an assistant referee in 2008 before receiving promotion to referee four years later. In 2017, Evans was appointed to the FIFA International Referees List.
Anti-Discrimination Network Responds
Fare, the anti-discrimination network dedicated to combating inequality in football, issued a statement on Sunday saying: '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. Why is a VAR supervisor using this symbol at a global football event at the very moment he knows the cameras are on him? It can only be that he is intentionally transmitting a far-right neo-nazi symbol. We note that in the two subsequent games it appears TV directors have stopped introducing the VAR panel to the TV audience. A global television audience should not be subjected to extremist far right individuals using neo-Nazi symbols as they prepare to watch a match. Clearly this official should have no further role to play in this World Cup.'
