The Australian official was subject to an intense social media backlash during Sunday's Germany clash, with viewers split over a far-right symbol and a viral 2000s schoolyard prank.

Referee Shaun Evans was on VAR during Germany's victory over Curacao when he was shown staring into the camera before kick-off, as has become customary at World Cup matches.

Screen grabs showing Shaun Evans making an upside-down ‘OK’ sign during a World Cup broadcast have generated controversy online.