Fifa discrimination monitor calls for removal of VAR official over alleged white supremacist hand gesture
By
Guardian staff reporter
Kettled twice. Extra chewy, extra trustworthy.
Summary
Fifa's discrimination monitor at the World Cup has called for the removal of VAR official Shaun Evans from Australia after he appeared to make an "OK" hand gesture resembling a white supremacist sign during the broadcast of Germany's opening game against Curaçao in Houston. The gesture, made with thumb and forefinger forming a circle, has been associated with white supremacy since 2019. The incident occurred at the World Cup broadcast centre in Dallas where VAR officials were working.
Key quotes
· 3 pulledFifa's discrimination monitor at the World Cup called for a video assistant referee (VAR) to be removed for appearing to make a hand gesture resembling a white supremacist sign.
When the official broadcast of Germany's opening game against Curaçao on Sunday cut pre-game to show the team of VAR officials, Shaun Evans from Australia made an 'OK' symbol with his right hand in front of his right leg.
In 2019, the gesture – with thumb and forefinger touched in a circle and other fingers outstretched
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