Sport: Soccer Country: Germany Category: Scores & Results

Australian referee accused of making white power sign at World Cup

2 sources • 1 min read • Latest: Jun 15, 2026, 11:52 AM

Last updated Jun 15, 2026

Australian referee accused of making white power sign at World Cup

Summary

During the broadcast of Germany's 7-1 World Cup victory over Curaçao, Australian referee Shaun Evans was accused of displaying a white nationalist hand gesture. Evans formed a circle with his thumb and index finger while extending the other fingers, a gesture that has been associated with the phrase 'White Power' in recent years. The Anti-Defamation League has categorized this sign as a hate symbol, despite its common interpretation as harmless. FIFA is reportedly aware of the incident, but has yet to issue a statement on the matter. Anti-discrimination network Fare has called for FIFA to take action against Evans, accusing him of transmitting a neo-Nazi symbol intentionally.

Source Links

Yahoo Sports

By the Numbers

•Shaun Evans accused of making a white nationalist gesture during the match.
•Germany defeated Curaçao 7-1 in the World Cup match broadcast.
•The hand gesture is often deemed harmless but linked to hate groups.
•FIFA is aware of the incident but has not commented yet.
•Fare has urged FIFA to address Evans' actions.

Latest Updates

11:52 AMYahoo Sports — Was World Cup referee's hand gesture a white power sign or a 'gotcha' prank?
10:11 AMYahoo Sports — Australian referee accused of making 'White Power' sign at World Cup

What they're saying

"
An Australian referee has been accussed of making a white nationalist hand gesture during the television broadcast of Germany's 7-1 World Cup victory over Curaçao on Sunday. As the match coverage showed the video assistant team, official Shaun Evans formed a circle with his thumb and index finger while extending the rest of his fingers.
— Yahoo Sports