VAR Official Faces Removal Call Over Controversial Gesture at World Cup
Fifa's discrimination monitor at the World Cup has called for the removal of Australian VAR official Shaun Evans. This follows an incident during the pre-game broadcast of Germany's opening match against Curaçao on Sunday, where Evans appeared to make an 'OK' sign with his right hand. The gesture, made in front of his right leg, reportedly resembles a symbol associated with white supremacy, which was designated a hate symbol by the New York-based Anti-Defamation League in 2019.
A video assistant referee (VAR) official, Shaun Evans from Australia, is facing calls for his removal from the World Cup after appearing to make a hand gesture resembling a white supremacist sign.
Fifa's discrimination monitor at the tournament initiated the call following an incident during the official pre-game broadcast of Germany's opening match against Curaçao on Sunday. During a segment showing the VAR team, Evans was seen making an "OK" symbol with his right hand in front of his right leg.
Though the game was played in Houston, VAR officials operate from the World Cup broadcast centre located in Dallas. The specific gesture, involving the thumb and forefinger forming a circle with other fingers outstretched, was designated as a hate symbol by the New York-based Anti-Defamation League in 2019.
According to The Guardian Sport, the monitor identified the gesture as resembling a white power symbol used in far-right circles.
