Who Is Shaun Evans? World Cup Referee Faces Questions Over Hand Gesture
Summary
Shaun Evans, an Australian assistant referee at the FIFA World Cup, is being questioned after making an inverted "OK" hand gesture during a match. Some people, including FIFA’s discrimination monitor, say the gesture looks like a hate symbol linked to white supremacist groups, and they want him removed from the tournament.Key Facts
- Shaun Evans is a 38-year-old Australian assistant referee and video assistant referee (VAR) official.
- The incident happened during the Germany vs. Curaçao World Cup group-stage match.
- Evans made an inverted "OK" hand sign, which some say resembles a white supremacist symbol.
- The Fare network, which works with FIFA to fight discrimination, called for Evans to be fired.
- FIFA is investigating the incident, according to reports.
- The Anti-Defamation League says the "OK" sign is mostly used normally but recognizes it can be a hate symbol in some contexts.
- After the incident, FIFA stopped introducing VAR officials on broadcast and now shows them already at their stations.
- Evans started refereeing in 2004, became a full-time referee in 2016, and was Referee of the Year in Australia’s top league in 2018-19.
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