It was before the World Cup match between Germany and Curaçao that Australian Shaun Evans held his hand down by his leg, with his thumb and index finger forming a circle and his other fingers pointing downward.
The Fare network, which works with FIFA to identify discriminatory chants, flags and symbols at matches, described the gesture as "neo-Nazi," according to the AP. The gesture can also be interpreted as a sign for "OK."
FIFA has investigated the case and states that there is no evidence that the referee violated FIFA rules.
Evans said in a statement that he "understands how the gesture was interpreted" and that he is sorry about it, and that he did not consciously make the sign he was accused of making.
He will be available for the rest of the championship.
