FIFA has been urged to suspend video assistant referee Shaun Evans following accusations that he made a hand gesture associated with white supremacy during the introduction before the Germany vs. Curaçao match on June 15, 2026. The gesture, described as an 'OK' sign, was made while Evans was being introduced in a pre-recorded video. The Anti-Defamation League designated this gesture as a hate symbol in 2019. The anti-discrimination group Fare called for Evans's removal from the World Cup, stating that the gesture resembles a symbol used in far-right circles. Observers online accused Evans of making a racist symbol, prompting Fare to express concern about his role in the tournament. In subsequent matches, broadcasters did not show footage of the VAR officials. The intentions behind Evans's gesture remain unclear, with some suggesting it could be related to a children's game. FIFA and Football Australia have not commented on the situation.
Why this rating? · 8 signals
Signals flagged in the original
- loaded language: 'controversial'
- loaded language: 'white supremacy'
- loaded language: 'racist symbol'
- framing: headline asserting a conclusion
- framing: selective emphasis on the gesture as a white supremacy symbol
- editorializing: Evans was accused of making a racist symbol by observers online
- vague attribution: observers online, advice from our experts
- omitted response: a named/criticized party is given no chance to respond
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FIFA Faces Calls to Remove VAR Official Over Controversial Gesture
FIFA is facing calls to suspend VAR official Shaun Evans after he allegedly made a hand gesture linked to white supremacy during a World Cup match introduction. The gesture, identified as an 'OK' sign, has drawn criticism from the anti-discrimination group Fare, which has called for his removal from the tournament. The context of the gesture remains disputed.
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Bias Analysis
Bias Indicators Removed
- ✕ loaded language: 'controversial'
- ✕ loaded language: 'white supremacy'
- ✕ loaded language: 'racist symbol'
- ✕ framing: headline asserting a conclusion
- ✕ framing: selective emphasis on the gesture as a white supremacy symbol
- ✕ editorializing: Evans was accused of making a racist symbol by observers online
- ✕ vague attribution: observers online, advice from our experts
- ✕ omitted response: a named/criticized party is given no chance to respond
Original vs. Neutral
Racism monitor urges FIFA to remove official over 'white supremacy' gesture...
FIFA Faces Calls to Remove VAR Official Over Controversial Gesture