A FIFA video review official, Shaun Evans from Australia, has been accused of making a hand gesture resembling a white supremacist sign during Germany’s opening game against Curaçao on Sunday. The incident occurred when the official broadcast cut to show the team of video review analysts, and Evans made an ‘OK’ symbol with his right hand in front of his right leg.

Investigation Underway

The Fare network, a long-time partner of FIFA and European soccer body UEFA, has called for Evans to be removed from his role, describing the gesture as ‘neo-nazi.’ The organization stated that the gesture ‘clearly resembles an upside-down ‘OK’ hand symbol used as a ‘white power’ symbol in global far-right circles.’

The ‘OK’ symbol, with thumb and forefinger touched in a circle and other fingers outstretched, was designated a hate symbol by the New York-based Anti-Defamation League in 2019. However, context is key to interpreting whether the symbol is hateful or harmless, according to Oren Segal, director of the ADL’s Center on Extremism.

It is unclear whether Evans was making a political gesture or playing a children’s game prank. The ‘gotcha’ or ‘circle game’ involves flashing an upside-down OK sign below the waist and punching in the shoulder anyone who looks at it. The symbol was appropriated a decade ago as a signal for white supremacy that started as a hoax on the far-right online message board 4chan.

FIFA has been asked for comment, and the Professional Football Referees Association and governing body Football Australia in Australia have been contacted for comment. Evans is among 30 video review analysts selected by FIFA to work at the World Cup being played in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

Original reporting: NBC6 Miami — read the source article.