FIFA clear Shaun Evans: Gesture explanation sees referee avoid World Cup axe

Australian World Cup referee Shaun Evans has been cleared by FIFA's disciplinary committee after being accused of making a hand gesture that has been linked with racism.

While being introduced as a support video assistant referee (VAR) for the Germany-Curacao match, Evans was seen making a circle symbol with his hands below his waist on the worldwide broadcast leading to calls for his removal from the event.

The symbol has been associated with racism previously, however FIFA insisted Evans had not made any disciplinary breaches and would continue to referee at the tournament.

Alguém explica essa mão do supervisor de VAR Australiano? E por qual razão ele esperou estar ao vivo pra fazer isso ai. pic.twitter.com/iTkYCbze0l

"Fifa’s independent disciplinary committee can confirm that, after looking into the matter involving support video assistant referee Shaun Evans, it has found no evidence of breaches of the Fifa disciplinary code, FIFA's statement said.

MORE: Australian referee investigated by FIFA for World Cup hand gesture

"The disciplinary committee has also taken note of Mr Evans’ statement."

After FIFA's decision was handed down, Evans stated the gesture was an 'involuntary, subconscious twitch' that was he seen to making repeatedly during the match.

"I would like to clarify that I did not intentionally make a hand gesture or symbol to communicate a message, affiliation, game or belief of any kind," Evans said in a statement.

"The only explanation I can offer is that the movement was an involuntary, subconscious twitch and I was unaware I had done it at the time. Images taken later during the match showed that I repeated this movement many times while holding a pen between my fingers.

"The coverage following this incident simply does not reflect who I am. Of course, I understand how the gesture has been interpreted and I regret this, however I want to be very clear and categorically say that I did not knowingly or deliberately make the hand symbol suggested.

"Officiating at the World Cup is the biggest honour of my career and I look forward to supporting my colleagues for the rest of the tournament."

Anti-discrimination group Fare - partners of FIFA and UEFA - led the calls for Evans to be suspended from the World Cup.