An assistant referee from Australia is facing potential dismissal following accusations of making a white supremacist hand gesture during a recent FIFA World Cup match. The match, between Germany and Curaçao, took place at Houston Stadium. Broadcast footage showed video assistant referee (VAR) official Shaun Evans making an inverted ‘OK’ sign with his right hand in the officiating room in Dallas.
The gesture, dismissed by some as a joke, is perceived by others as resembling a hate symbol linked to white power ideologies. FIFA’s discrimination monitor shares this concern. The Fare network, partnering with FIFA and other soccer bodies to combat discrimination, has called for Evans’s firing over what they labelled as a ‘neo-Nazi’ gesture.
“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,” a statement from the organization read. “Clearly this official should have no further role to play in this World Cup.”
FIFA is investigating the incident, according to BBC Sport sources. Newsweek attempted to contact Evans, as well as Australia’s Professional Football Referees Association (PFRA) and Football Australia for comment but was unsuccessful. Newsweek has also reached out to FIFA for remarks through email.
What Gesture Did Evans Make?
During Germany’s 7-1 victory over Curaçao, Evans, 38, was seen making the hand gesture. The ‘OK’ sign has become associated as a hate symbol since 2017. The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) formally recognized it as such in 2019, although it notes that most people still use it to signify assent or approval. The organization warns against assuming a white supremacist context without other supporting contextual evidence.
Many internet users consider the gesture innocuous, suggesting it could relate to the ‘circle game.’ This recreational activity involves one person tricking another to look at a hand gesture before lightly punching them. Nevertheless, FIFA’s discrimination monitor has voiced concerns, questioning why a VAR supervisor would utilize this symbol during a high-profile global event.
Introduction broadcasts for VAR officials have ceased following the incident. Subsequent matches featured referees already seated at monitors rather than being introduced, as noted by BBC Sport.
Who Is Shaun Evans?
Shaun Evans, born in 1987, previously worked as a bricklayer before transitioning to a full-time referee. Upon going pro in 2016, he expressed enthusiasm for dedicating his efforts to improving his officiating abilities. Evans began refereeing in 2004 and recorded 170 matches officiated in the A-League by the end of the 2023-2024 season. His accolades include ‘Referee of the Year’ in the 2018-19 A-League, and he served as a VAR official in the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar.
In April, Evans was appointed as one of the 30 VAR match officials for this year’s tournament, among only four Australians selected out of the 170 total referees. FIFA, according to ESPN, does not disclose which referees will officiate upcoming matches until shortly before each game, preventing interference. Historically, with the rotational workload and 30 VAR officials overseeing 104 games, Evans might expect involvement in three to four matches throughout the tournament.
As of Monday, Evans has deactivated his Instagram page. FIFA has yet to make a public statement regarding the incident.
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