Fifa is currently seeking an explanation from Australian video assistant referee (VAR) Shaun Evans regarding a hand gesture he made before Germany's dominant 7-1 victory over Curacao on Sunday. The incident, captured during Fifa's global coverage of pre-match rituals, has led to significant discussion and concern across social media platforms and within anti-discrimination circles.
During the standard pre-match broadcast, which typically features officials posing for the camera at the VAR hub in Dallas, Evans was seen making an upside-down 'OK' sign with his right hand. This particular gesture holds dual meanings, one being a harmless component of the 'circle game' – a prank popularised by the US sitcom 'Malcolm in the Middle' and an internet meme – and the other being a symbol adopted by far-right groups to communicate expressions of white supremacy.
The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) added the 'OK' sign to its list of hate symbols in 2019, noting its use as a 'popular trolling tactic' by right-leaning individuals online. The anti-discrimination organisation Fare network, a partner of both Fifa and Uefa in combating racism, has stated it is actively seeking clarification. Fare commented that their experts advise the gesture 'clearly resembles an upside down 'OK' hand symbol used as a 'white power' symbol in global far-right circles'. UK anti-discrimination charity Kick It Out has also reportedly written to Fifa for clarification.
Following the Germany-Curacao match, a noticeable shift in the pre-match VAR hub coverage has been observed. In three subsequent matches, the VAR officials were shown already facing their monitors, rather than posing for the camera, though their names continued to be displayed. Fifa has not offered an official explanation for this change in protocol.
Shaun Evans, aged 38, has been on Fifa's list of referees since 2017 and is an experienced VAR, having officiated at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. Domestically, he has been a referee in Australia's A-League since 2012, taking charge of the Grand Final in 2019. The outcome of Fifa's inquiry into the gesture remains to be seen, as does any potential disciplinary action or further statements from the governing body.
Source: BBC Sport