Australian Referee Cleared After Accused of Making White Power Gesture at World Cup
FIFA has cleared Australian video assistant referee Shaun Evans of wrongdoing after he was filmed making an upside-down ‘OK’ gesture during a World Cup match, despite allegations the symbol is linked to white supremacy.
Evans, 38, was part of the officiating team for Germany’s 7-1 victory over Curaçao on Monday when footage showed him forming the gesture with his fingers against his thigh. The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) has labeled the symbol a hate emblem, and it has been associated with far-right groups since being co-opted a decade ago as a white power signal.
Evans denied intentionally using the gesture, stating it was an “involuntary, subconscious twitch” and that he was unaware of its history. He emphasized he had no “message, affiliation, game or belief” tied to the action, adding that the movement occurred while holding a pen between his fingers.
Why the gesture matters
The upside-down ‘OK’ symbol has been historically linked to far-right networks, with three fingers forming a ‘W’ and the index and thumb a ‘P,’ according to the source. It also appears in the “circle game,” a prank where the gesture is flashed below the waist, often resulting in a punch to the shoulder. The ADL’s designation of the symbol as hate-related underscores its sensitivity in international sports contexts.
What may happen next
FIFA’s disciplinary committee found no evidence of rule violations, but the Fare network, which monitors discrimination in football, had urged Evans’ removal. While no further action is confirmed, the incident could influence ongoing discussions about monitoring symbols in sports. Evans, who called World Cup officiating “the biggest honour of my career,” may face continued scrutiny over the gesture’s interpretation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the gesture associated with? The upside-down ‘OK’ symbol has been designated a hate emblem by the Anti-Defamation League and linked to far-right groups.
Did FIFA take disciplinary action? No, FIFA’s disciplinary committee found no breaches of its code following an investigation.
What did Evans say about the incident? Evans denied intentional use of the gesture, calling it an “involuntary, subconscious twitch” and expressing regret over its interpretation.
Could the incident lead to changes in how sports organizations monitor symbols during matches?