UMVA has learned that a shocking controversy is unfolding in the world of football, involving a video assistant referee who made a hand gesture that has been linked to white supremacy.
Shaun Evans, the Australian video assistant referee, made a symbol with his right hand during a match between Germany and Curacao, which was captured on camera. The gesture, which involved making a circle with his thumb and forefinger while extending his other three fingers, has been interpreted as a "white power symbol" by anti-discrimination groups.
The gesture has sparked outrage, with anti-discrimination network Fare calling for Evans to be removed from officiating duties at the World Cup. According to Fare, the gesture is used by "global far-right circles" as a symbol of white supremacy, and was notably used by Australian Brenton Tarrant in court after his arrest for murdering 50 people in a mosque shooting in New Zealand.
Evans has released a statement attempting to explain the gesture, claiming it was an "involuntary, subconscious twitch" and that he was unaware he had done it at the time. He also stated that he repeated the movement many times during the match while holding a pen between his fingers, suggesting that it was a nervous habit rather than a deliberate gesture.
Despite Evans' explanation, Fare has expressed strong disagreement, stating that the gesture "clearly resembles an upside-down 'OK' hand symbol used as a 'white power' symbol in global far-right circles." The organization has questioned why Evans was using the symbol at a global football event, especially when he knew the cameras were on him.
FIFA has responded to the controversy, stating that their independent disciplinary committee has found no evidence of breaches of the FIFA disciplinary code. However, Fare has made it clear that they will continue to push for Evans to be removed from officiating duties at the World Cup.
