Published：Jun 15, 10:01Last updated：Jun 16, 04:42

FIFA Referee's Controversial Gesture Sparks Outrage

Jun. 15, 2026 10:01

Fifa's discrimination monitor called for VAR official Shaun Evans to be removed after he made a hand gesture resembling a white supremacist symbol. The gesture, seen during a World Cup broadcast, has been designated a hate symbol by the Anti-Defamation League. The incident occurred during Germany's match against Curaçao. Fifa faces pressure to address the issue.

Summarized

9News

7Media

Jun. 16, 2026 03:37

A VAR referee's 'OK' gesture before a World Cup match between Germany and Curaçao sparked controversy over alleged hate symbolism. FIFA investigated but found no violation. The referee claimed it was an unconscious gesture. Broadcast changes followed, with referees no longer posing for cameras.

Jun. 16, 2026 04:42

Australian video referee Shaun Evans faced criticism for a hand gesture during Germany's World Cup match, which some interpreted as neo-Nazi symbolism. The Fare network accused him, but FIFA found no violation of its disciplinary code.

FIFA is under pressure after video assistant referee Shaun Evans made a hand gesture resembling a white supremacist symbol during a World Cup match between Germany and Curaçao. The incident, captured on live broadcast, prompted immediate backlash from anti-discrimination groups, with the Anti-Defamation League confirming the gesture's classification as a hate symbol. Evans later claimed the action was unintentional, describing it as an "involuntary, subconscious twitch." The Guardian+2

⚽ Match Incident

The controversy erupted during the June 15, 2026 World Cup match when Evans, an Australian VAR official, was seen making an inverted "OK" hand sign before kickoff. The gesture has been widely recognized as a symbol associated with far-right groups. Broadcast footage showed the moment clearly, leading to immediate social media reactions and formal complaints from monitoring organizations. Russia Today+2

🏛️ Organizational Response

FIFA's discrimination watchdog Fare demanded Evans' removal from the tournament, calling the incident "unacceptable in professional sports." However, FIFA's disciplinary committee later cleared Evans after investigating the matter, accepting his explanation of unconscious movement. The governing body also announced broadcast protocol changes, banning referee pre-match camera poses to prevent similar controversies. RIA Novosti+2

🤝 Resolution and Fallout

While Evans avoided disciplinary action, the case reignited debates about referee conduct and racial sensitivity in football. The Anti-Defamation League maintained its stance on the symbol's offensive nature, but FIFA concluded no racist intent existed. The incident prompted calls for enhanced referee training on cultural awareness and non-verbal communication in high-profile matches. The Independent+2

FIFACuraçaoGermanyShaun EvansAnti-Defamation League