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FIFA clears referee accused of making ‘White power’ gesture after he calls it ‘involuntary twitch’

FIFA found no evidence Australian VAR assistant Shaun Evans breached ethics after making a gesture resembling a white supremacist hand signal. Evans called it an involuntary twitch, but racism monitors demanded his removal. The decision follows a review of video footage from Germany vs. Curaçao.

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What changed

FIFA’s official ruling was released Tuesday, confirming no disciplinary action against Evans.

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  1. FIFA clears VAR assistant Shaun Evans after 'involuntary twitch' defence

    FIFA found no evidence Australian VAR assistant Shaun Evans breached ethics after making a gesture resembling a white supremacist hand signal. Evans called it an involuntary twitch, but racism monitors demanded his removal. The decision follows a review of video footage from Germany vs. Curaçao.

    What's confirmed:

    • FIFA found no evidence Shaun Evans breached its ethics code after the gesture was made before Germany’s 7-1 win over Curaçao.
    • Evans described the gesture as an involuntary, subconscious twitch and denied any deliberate intent.
    • The incident occurred during a broadcast before kickoff in the Germany vs. Curaçao match on Sunday.
    • A FIFA committee concluded Evans did not violate disciplinary rules, clearing him of wrongdoing.

    Still unconfirmed:

    • The gesture was widely perceived as resembling a white supremacist hand signal, though Evans denied any racist intent.
    • FIFA’s racism monitor urged the removal of the match official over the incident, calling for stricter action.
    confidence 95%