FIFA Clears Video Assistant Referee After Accusation of Hate Symbol During World Cup Match
FIFA’s independent disciplinary committee found no breach of its code after reviewing an incident during the Germany-Curacao match. The decision followed an accusation that Evans had flashed an “OK” hand sign.
Washington ExaminerFIFA cleared Australian video assistant referee Shaun Evans of any wrongdoing after an accusation that he made a hate symbol during the Germany-Curacao match on Sunday. FIFA’s anti-discrimination monitor had claimed Evans intentionally flashed an “OK” sign with his right hand in front of his right leg. Video footage posted on social media showed the incident.
On Monday, FIFA confirmed Evans did not breach its code of conduct. “FIFA’s independent disciplinary committee can confirm that, after looking into the matter involving support video assistant referee Shaun Evans, it has found no evidence of breaches of the FIFA disciplinary code,” the organization said.
Evans stated he did not intentionally make a hand gesture or symbol to communicate a message, affiliation, game or belief of any kind.
He said the movement might have been an “involuntary, subconscious twitch” and that he was unaware he had done it at the time. Images taken later during the match showed Evans repeated the movement many times while holding a pen between his fingers.
“Officiating at the World Cup is the biggest honor of my career and I look forward to supporting my colleagues for the rest of the tournament,” Evans said.
