FIFA has cleared Australian VAR assistant referee Shaun Evans of wrongdoing after he was accused of making a racist hand gesture before the Germany vs Curacao FIFA World Cup match. Evans said the gesture was an involuntary, subconscious movement and denied any intent. Following an investigation, FIFA's Disciplinary Committee found no evidence of a breach of its disciplinary code.

New Delhi: The Australian referee Shaun Evans, who was accused of making a racist hand gesture ahead of Sunday's FIFA World Cup game between Germany and Curacao, has been cleared by FIFA of any wrongdoing.

Allegation during broadcast

When the pre-game broadcast cut to the video review team, the Australian analyst was spotted making an upside-down 'OK' gesture, which is widely associated with white supremacy groups.

An upside-down OK signal is a prank popularised by the classic "Circle Game" (and the sitcom Malcolm in the Middle). If you trick someone into looking at the hand gesture, you get to punch them in the shoulder.