World Cup referee accused of making ‘White power’ gesture during game broadcast

A World Cup referee has been accused of making a “White power” hand gesture when match coverage cut to the video referee studio during Germany’s 7-1 victory over Curaçao on Sunday.The gesture, in which the thumb and index finger touch while the other fingers of the hand are held outstretched, has historically been perceived as meaning OK. However, in recent years, it has been used to symbolize White power, with the three remaining fingers spelling W for White and the thumb and index finger enabling a P to be drawn for Power.The Australian White supremacist Brenton Tarrant made the symbol during a 2019 courtroom appearance following his arrest for murdering 50 people in a shooting at mosques in New Zealand.Australian referee Shaun Evans appeared to place his hand into the position Sunday when the cameras cut to the studio.A FIFA spokesperson said the organization was aware of the incident but declined to comment further. The Athletic also extended the right of reply to the official via FIFA.

@FOXSports @FIFAWorldCup I don’t usually post controversial things but this is unacceptable. Watching the start of Germany vs Curaçao, the Australian replay official Shaun Evans gives the OK sign with his right hand. This is a known white supremacist sign. Please share. pic.twitter.com/5Nq5gfyxmj