Did FIFA World Cup 2026 Referee Make 'White Supremacy' Gesture On Live Broadcast?

Published 15 June 2026 · sports

Did FIFA World Cup 2026 Referee Make 'White Supremacy' Gesture On Live Broadcast? Published By, Last Updated: June 15, 2026, 10:23 IST A referee is

Did FIFA World Cup 2026 Referee Make 'White Supremacy' Gesture On Live Broadcast? Published By, Last Updated: June 15, 2026, 10:23 IST A referee is under investigation for allegedly making a controversial gesture during live broadcast. Shaun Evans has courted controversy (Screengrab/X) A FIFA World Cup 2026 match referee is reportedly being investigated following a controversial gesture he made during the Germany Vs Curacao clash in Houston. The referee in focus, Shaun Evans, made a hand gesture – being described as “an expression of white supremacy" – when the live broadcast switched to the Video referee studio. Evans made an ‘OK’ sign, but it was upside down and it’s increasingly being seen as a far-right symbol.

As per The Athletic, the symbol was also made by Brenton Tarrant during his courtroom appearance in 2019 after being arrested for murdering 50 people in a shooting in New Zealand mosque. As per BBC, the upside-down OK sign has been included in a list of hate symbols. The anti-discrimination Fare network that deals with inequalities in football, has released a statement calling for the removal of Evans from FIFA World Cup referee panel. “Advice from our experts is that the gesture used clearly resembles an upside down ‘OK’ hand symbol used as a ‘White power’ symbol in global far-right circles. Why is a VAR supervisor is using this symbol at a global football event at the very moment he knows the cameras are on him?

It can only be that he is intentionally transmitting a far-right neo-nazi symbol," the statement read. “We note that in the two subsequent games it appears TV directors have stopped introducing the VAR panel to the TV audience. A global television audience should not be subjected to extremist far right individuals using neo-Nazi symbols as they prepare to watch a match. Clearly this official should have no further role to play in this World Cup," it added. FIFA, the football’s global governing authority, is yet to respond to the allegations. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit About the Author Feroz Khan Feroz Khan has been covering sports for over 12 years now and is currently working with Network18 as Principal Correspondent.

He embarked on his journey in 2011 and has since acquired vast experience... Read More First Published: June 15, 2026, 10:23 IST News sports football Did FIFA World Cup 2026 Referee Make 'White Supremacy' Gesture On Live Broadcast? Disclaimer: Comments reflect users’ views, not News18’s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments...