‘Involuntary, subconscious twitch’: Why FIFA sacks World Cup referee over alleged ‘neo-Nazi’ gesture

Australian referee Shaun Evans (L) has been cleared of any wrongdoing by FIFA. (IANS photo) FIFA cleared Australian video review official Shaun Evans of any wrongdoing after investigating a hand gesture that resembled a white supremacy symbol, with the governing body’s independent disciplinary panel finding no evidence of a breach of its code.Controversy erupted during Germany’s 7-1 win over Curaçao in their FIFA World Cup opener when television cameras briefly showed a video surveillance team based in the tournament’s broadcast center in Dallas. Evans, serving as an assistant video assistant referee, appeared to make an “OK” sign with his right hand, a gesture that has been associated with white groups in certain contexts.The incident prompted anti-discrimination experts to call for his exclusion from the tournament, but FIFA ultimately ruled in favor of the Australian after reviewing the matter.

FIFA found no disciplinary violations

FIFA’s independent disciplinary committee confirmed in a statement on Monday that it had found no evidence that Evans had breached FIFA’s disciplinary code.“The Disciplinary Committee also took note of Mr Evans’ statement,” FIFA said.Evans, who is working on his second World Cup and officiating his first match at the tournament, insisted the move was completely unintentional.“I did not intentionally make a hand gesture or symbol to convey a message, affiliation, play or belief of any kind,” Evans said.“The only explanation I can offer is that the movement was an involuntary, subconscious twitch and I was not aware that I had done it at the time. Footage taken later in the match showed that I repeated this movement many times while holding the pen between my fingers,” he added.The Australian official added that the controversy did not reflect his character and expressed regret at how the gesture was interpreted.“To officiate at the World Cup is the greatest honor of my career and I look forward to supporting my colleagues throughout the rest of the tournament,” he said.

An anti-discrimination group sought removal

The Fare network, a long-standing partner of FIFA and UEFA in monitoring racism and discrimination, urged FIFA to remove Evans from the World Cup.The organization described the gesture as reminiscent of an upside-down “OK” sign associated with white power ideology and labeled it a “neo-Nazi” symbol.The hand gesture was designated a hate symbol by the Anti-Defamation League in 2019 after it was adopted by extremists years ago. However, experts repeatedly emphasize that context is critical in determining whether its use is hateful or innocent.The controversy gained international attention after the symbol was displayed during the 2019 court appearance of a Christchurch mosque shooter in New Zealand.

The Australian judges take the body of Evans

The Australian Professional Football Referees Association welcomed the FIFA verdict and supported Evans.The organization said the referee, who has been in Australia’s top division since 2012, has consistently demonstrated professionalism, respect and integrity.She also reiterated her opposition to racism, discrimination and extremist ideology while stressing the importance of fairness, context and due process.Evans remains one of 30 video review officials selected by FIFA for the World Cup, which is co-hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico, and is expected to continue in his role for the remainder of the tournament.