VAR official explains hand gesture as subconscious twitch during match
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jun 15, 2026, 9:52 PM
Last updated Jun 15, 2026
Video assistant referee Shaun Evans clarified that a hand gesture he made during a FIFA match was an "involuntary, subconscious twitch". The incident drew significant speculation online, as the gesture could be interpreted in multiple ways. FIFA stated there was no evidence of any disciplinary violations following an investigation. Evans expressed regret over the misunderstanding but maintained he did not intend to convey any specific message. The situation remains under review as discussions continue regarding its implications.
- •Shaun Evans denied intentionally making a controversial hand gesture.
- •FIFA investigated the incident but found no violations.
- •The gesture occurred during a match prior to Germany's win over Curacao.
- •Evans stated he was unaware of the gesture's implications.
- •Social media speculation followed shortly after the incident.
- 9:52 PMYahoo Sports — VAR official says hand gesture was 'involuntary, subconscious twitch'
- 9:52 PMBBC Sport — VAR official says hand gesture was 'involuntary, subconscious twitch'
"Video assistant referee Shaun Evans has denied "intentionally" making a hand gesture "to communicate a message, affiliation, game or belief of any kind" and claimed it was a "an involuntary, subconscious twitch" that he was "unaware" of.
"Video assistant referee Shaun Evans has denied "intentionally" making a hand gesture "to communicate a message, affiliation, game or belief of any kind" and claimed it was a "an involuntary, subconscious twitch" that he was "unaware" of.
Sources
External links- Yahoo SportsJun 15, 2026, 9:52 PMVAR official says hand gesture was 'involuntary, subconscious twitch'
Video assistant referee Shaun Evans has denied "intentionally" making a hand gesture "to communicate a message, affiliation, game or belief of any kind" and claimed it was a "an involuntary, subconscious twitch" that he was "unaware" of.
- BBC SportJun 15, 2026, 9:52 PMVAR official says hand gesture was 'involuntary, subconscious twitch'
Video assistant referee Shaun Evans has denied "intentionally" making a hand gesture "to communicate a message, affiliation, game or belief of any kind" and claimed it was a "an involuntary, subconscious twitch" that he was "unaware" of.
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