'Hand Gesture Controversy' World Cup Referee Explains: "Unconscious and Involuntary Movement"

"I Was Unaware of My Hand Gesture"


Claims Arise That Referee Made Far-Right Gesture

During the 2026 North and Central America World Cup match held on June 14 (local time), Germany defeated Curaçao 7-1. In the aftermath, controversy arose over a 'hand gesture' made by the referee officiating the game, sparking allegations of racism. As the debate intensified online, the referee in question spoke out.

During the Germany-Curaçao match, the international broadcast briefly showed the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) center. At that moment, Sean Evans, an Australian referee in charge of VAR, appeared on screen. He was seen making a gesture with his thumb and index finger forming a circle near his thigh, while the other three fingers were extended.

This hand gesture is commonly used as an 'OK' sign, but some claimed it could be a symbol of the racist group 'White Power.' According to this interpretation, the three extended fingers represent a 'W,' while the circled thumb and index finger form a 'P.'

Sean Evans, an Australian referee in charge of the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) center. X capture

In response to the controversy, referee Evans personally addressed the issue through various media outlets. He stated, "I absolutely did not make the gesture intentionally to convey any message, affiliation, or worldview," and emphasized, "The only explanation I can offer is that it was an unconscious and involuntary movement."

He added, "At the time, I wasn't even aware I was making that gesture," and continued, "If you look at other scenes filmed during the match, you can see that I repeatedly made similar movements while holding a pen between my fingers."

The Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) also decided not to initiate disciplinary proceedings after reviewing the matter. FIFA stated, "We did not find any evidence of a violation of disciplinary regulations."

Previously, the football anti-racism watchdog group FARE (Football Against Racism in Europe) had raised the allegation. Speaking to the British daily The Guardian, the organization said, "In the experts’ view, the gesture closely resembles the inverted OK sign widely recognized among far-right groups around the world." They added, "This hand gesture is a neo-Nazi gesture, and the referee should not be allowed to play any further role in this World Cup."

Evans also criticized Western media outlets that reported FARE’s claims. He said, "The media coverage did not reflect who I really am at all, and I regret that," stressing, "I categorically and unequivocally deny the claim that I made the gesture consciously or intentionally."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.