FIFA are ‘likely to investigate’ after a World Cup official was accused of making a “White power” gesture during Germany’s 7-1 win over Curacao on Sunday.

Footage of referee Shaun Evans making a hand signal immediately went viral across social media.

The Australian A-League official was ‘Support VAR’ for Sunday’s World Cup clash and briefly appeared on the live broadcast shortly before kick-off.

Different Meanings Behind Hand Gesture

Per The Athletic, the gesture – in which the thumb and index finger touch while the other fingers of the hand are outstretched – has, in recent years, been used to symbolise White power. The three remaining fingers signalling a W for White, while the thumb and index finger represent a P for Power.

However, the gesture can also have other meanings. Some people on social media have jumped to Evans’ defence, pointing out that the move is also used as part of the “circle game” – a playground prank in which people trick each other into looking at an OK-like hand gesture made somewhere below the waist. Anyone who looks at the sign receives a light-hearted punch.

FIFA, world football’s governing body, are likely to investigate the context and intent behind the gesture, according to the Daily Mail. Watch footage of the incident below:

A FIFA spokesperson reportedly said they are aware of the incident but declined to comment further.

Anti-Discrimination Group Slam Referee in Statement

Dylan Martinez via Reuters

In a statement released on Sunday night, the anti-discrimination Fare network, who challenge inequalities in football, said via The Athletic: “Advice from our experts is that the gesture used clearly resembles an upside down ‘OK’ hand symbol used as a ‘White power’ symbol in global far-right circles.

“Why is a VAR supervisor using this symbol at a global football event at the very moment he knows the cameras are on him? It can only be that he is intentionally transmitting a far-right neo-nazi symbol.

“We note that in the two subsequent games it appears TV directors have stopped introducing the VAR panel to the TV audience.

“A global television audience should not be subjected to extremist far right individuals using neo-Nazi symbols as they prepare to watch a match.

While the hand gesture is characterised as a hate symbol by the Anti-Defamation League (ADL), it warns that “caution” must be taken regarding intent over the gesture’s meaning.

The ADL’s website says: “Because of the traditional meaning of the “okay” hand gesture, as well as other usages unrelated to white supremacy, particular care must be taken not to jump to conclusions about the intent behind someone who has used the gesture.”

It was a brutal night for former featherweight champion, Ilia Topuria, as he was savagely beaten by Justin Gaethje at UFC Freedom 250 in front of the White House.

Following constant personal back and forth between the pair in the build-up to the scrap for the lightweight title, it came as no surprise that this was an all-out war for the majority. Both fighters had moments of sheer brutality, but it was the American who dealt with it better and outlasted his opponent, eventually making him retire on his stool in between the fourth and fifth round.

Justin Gaethje Stops Ilia Topuria After Brutal Fight

In truth, it was a pretty even fight for the majority, but following a seriously brutal third round, it was Gaethje who took control, with Topuria’s face becoming quite the picture after suffering severe punishment over and over.

In fact, the doctor nearly brought an end to the fight one round earlier than the eventual stoppage, claiming that Topuria couldn’t see out of one of his eyes. However, referee Marc Goddard overruled the decision and the fight resumed, despite the Georgian getting a lot more time to recover than he should have.

But, it didn’t make a difference in the end, as in round four, the onslaught continued. By this point, Topuria’s face was bloodied, battered, and bruised. Everything Gaethje landed was making a lasting impression. This wasn’t the case the other way round, though.

Despite Topuria landing some sickening shots of his own, especially to the body of Gaethje, the American didn’t look like he had been in a fight whatsoever, especially not compared to his opponent.

In the end, enough was enough, and Topuria opted to retire on his stool between the fourth and fifth round, losing his unbeaten status in the process. For Gaethje, however, it was undisputed status at last, after a few previous unsuccessful attempts.

Ilia Topuria After Losing to Justin Gaethje

Despite not being shown on the broadcast after losing, Topuria was spotted by fans in attendance, and one fan’s footage has quickly gone viral after being shared on social media platform X.

Topuria could be seen getting helped out of the Octagon and begin to make his way backstage, momentarily putting a towel over his head so no one could see him or his battered face.

Whether you’re a fan of Ilia Topuria or not, or even just wanted Justin Gaethje to win at UFC Freedom 250, you can admit it’s heartbreaking to see him so down and deflated after an epic fight that he just came up short in.

One thing is for sure, though, Topuria will be back.