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VAR Official's Gesture Sparks White Supremacy Fears
15 Jun
Summary
- VAR official made an 'OK' symbol gesture resembling a hate symbol.
- Fare network called for the official's removal from the World Cup.
- The gesture's meaning is debated, potentially being a hoax or hate symbol.
A World Cup VAR official, Shaun Evans from Australia, is facing calls for his removal after displaying a hand gesture that resembles a white supremacist symbol. During the broadcast of Germany's opening match, Evans made an 'OK' sign, which has been identified by the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) as a hate symbol.
The Fare network, a partner of FIFA, stated that the gesture clearly resembles an upside-down 'OK' symbol used by global far-right circles. Fare declared that Evans should no longer participate in the World Cup and described the gesture as 'neo-Nazi.'
It is uncertain whether Evans intended to make a political statement or was participating in the 'circle game,' a prank where an upside-down 'OK' sign is flashed below the waist, with the perpetrator punching anyone who looks. This prank gesture was appropriated by the far-right a decade ago.
FIFA has been approached for comment regarding the incident. The organization selected Evans as one of 30 video review analysts for the tournament held in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
