In brief
During Germany’s 7‑1 World Cup win over Curacao, VAR assistant Shaun Evans was filmed making an upside‑down “OK” gesture that was immediately condemned online as a racist symbol. A FIFA inquiry concluded the move was an involuntary, subconscious twitch and found no breach of its disciplinary code. Evans has not been sanctioned and will remain in the World Cup squad. The incident raised questions over the new “referee‑hub” broadcast format and the seriousness of far‑right symbolism in international sport.
Football fans worldwide were stunned when a close‑up of the VAR room during Germany's 7‑1 World Cup victory over Curacao captured referee Shaun Evans making an upside‑down “OK” hand sign. The gesture instantly sparked accusations of racism and far‑right symbolism, adding to the heated debate over television’s new “referee‑hub” format.
Evans insisted the gesture was a subconscious, involuntary twitch, stating he was unaware of making it and denied any intention to convey a message. FIFA’s investigation found no evidence of a breach of its Disciplinary Code and affirmed Evans would not face disciplinary action.
"The coverage following this incident simply does not reflect who I am," Evans said, adding “I regret this however I want to be very clear and categorically say that I did not knowingly or deliberately make the hand symbol suggested.”
The incident also highlighted a shift in broadcasting practice: prior to the match, VAR teams were briefly posed for cameras, but thereafter they were shown focused on their monitors, a change Fifa has yet to explain.
For more detail on how the gesture was interpreted and the broader context, read the BBC coverage at the original story.
