VAR official denies intentionally making controversial hand gesture

Shaun Evans has broken his silence after a hand gesture during a live World Cup broadcast sparked a social media storm. FIFA cleared the Australian VAR official of any disciplinary breach after reviewing footage from the referees' centre in Dallas, following the incident that occurred before Germany’s 7-1 win over Curacao.

Evans was seen forming an upside-down 'OK' sign with his right hand on the global feed. The symbol can be read as a harmless prank or as one linked to white supremacist groups; FIFA said it found no evidence that Evans breached the Disciplinary Code and he remains part of the tournament's officiating group.

The 38-year-old rejected suggestions of deliberate intent, calling the movement an unconscious physical habit. "The coverage following this incident simply does not reflect who I am," he said.

Australia, Dallas

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