Australian VAR official blames ‘involuntary twitch’ for World Cup broadcast controversy

Australian World Cup official Shaun Evans has denied intentionally making a hand gesture associated with white supremacists. The incident occurred in a clip showing VAR officials before Germany's match against Curaçao on Sunday. Evans appeared to make an upside-down "OK" symbol with his right hand as the broadcast feed switched to a "meet the team" segment for the video assistant referees.

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I would like to clarify that I did not intentionally make a hand gesture or symbol to communicate a message, affiliation, game or belief of any kind. The only explanation I can offer is that the movement was an involuntary, subconscious twitch and I was unaware I had done it at the time.

While the gesture is used in the harmless "circle game," it has also been adopted by far-right supporters and was added to the Anti-Defamation League's list of hate symbols in 2019. FIFA is reportedly aware of the situation and is seeking an explanation from Evans. However, the governing body has stated that no evidence of any disciplinary code breaches has been established.

In a statement released Monday morning, Evans clarified his actions. "I would like to clarify that I did not intentionally make a hand gesture or symbol to communicate a message, affiliation, game or belief of any kind," he stated. "The only explanation I can offer is that the movement was an involuntary, subconscious twitch and I was unaware I had done it at the time." He noted that images taken later during the match show him repeating the movement multiple times while holding a pen. "The coverage following this incident simply does not reflect who I am. Of course, I understand how the gesture has been interpreted and I regret this, however I want to be very clear and categorically say that I did not knowingly or deliberately make the hand symbol suggested," Evans added.

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The coverage following this incident simply does not reflect who I am. Of course, I understand how the gesture has been interpreted and I regret this, however I want to be very clear and categorically say that I did not knowingly or deliberately make the hand symbol suggested.

Evans emphasized the significance of officiating at the World Cup, calling it the "biggest honor of my career." He expressed his commitment to supporting his colleagues for the remainder of the tournament. Images from the match show Evans making the gesture while being introduced as a video assistant referee. The article also briefly mentions other news, including the finance minister's comments on fuel excise cuts, NSW's investment in grid-scale batteries, the RBA board's expected interest rate decision, police investigating Gaza flotilla activist allegations, and Victorian Labor's proposed laws on the right to work from home.

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Officiating at the World Cup is the biggest honour of my career and I look forward to supporting my colleagues for the rest of the tournament.