Referee Shaun Evans's gesture causes controversy before Germany-Curacao match
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jun 16, 2026, 7:56 AM
Last updated Jun 16, 2026
Australian referee Shaun Evans was seen making an upside down 'OK' gesture in the VAR hub before the Germany vs. Curacao match. This gesture has been linked to far-right symbolism by the Anti-Defamation League. Evans stated the gesture was an involuntary, subconscious twitch and claimed he was unaware of it at the time. FIFA conducted a review and found no evidence of a breach of its disciplinary code. The Professional Football Referees Association supports Evans and highlighted his professionalism and respect as a referee.
- •Shaun Evans made the gesture before Germany vs. Curacao match.
- •Gesture linked to far-right symbolism by the Anti-Defamation League.
- •FIFA found no evidence of a disciplinary breach by Evans.
- •The PFRA issued a statement supporting Evans's professionalism.
- •Evans described his gesture as an involuntary movement.
- 7:56 AMYahoo Sports — World Cup referee backed by representative body after controversial hand gesture
- 7:56 AMYahoo Sports — Referee Evans backed by Australian body amid hand gesture controversy
"The Australian official at the centre of a controversy over a hand gesture used by white supremacists has been backed by his representative body, which said he has consistently acted with “professionalism, respect and integrity. ” Shaun Evans was seen making an upside down ‘OK’ gesture when the broadcast feed cut to the VAR hub prior to Sunday’s match between Germany and Curacao.
"Shaun Evans was seen making an upside down ‘OK’ gesture in the VAR hub before Sunday’s match between Germany and Curacao
Sources
External links- Yahoo SportsJun 16, 2026, 7:56 AMWorld Cup referee backed by representative body after controversial hand gesture
Shaun Evans was seen making an upside down ‘OK’ gesture in the VAR hub before Sunday’s match between Germany and Curacao
- Yahoo SportsJun 16, 2026, 7:56 AMReferee Evans backed by Australian body amid hand gesture controversy
The Australian official at the centre of a controversy over a hand gesture used by white supremacists has been backed by his representative body, which said he has consistently acted with “professionalism, respect and integrity. ” Shaun Evans was seen making an upside down ‘OK’ gesture when the broadcast feed cut to the VAR hub prior to Sunday’s match between Germany and Curacao.
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