VAR official says hand gesture was 'involuntary, subconscious twitch'

Video assistant referee Shaun Evans stated on March 18, 2024, that a hand gesture he made during a match was an "involuntary, subconscious twitch" and not an intentional communication. Evans denied making the gesture to convey any "message, affiliation, game or belief of any kind." He further claimed he was "unaware" of the gesture at the time it occurred. The incident, which drew attention, prompted Evans to issue this explanation to clarify his actions. The Football Association (FA) investigated the incident, and Evans' statement is part of the official record concerning the event. The FA has not yet released its final decision on the matter.