A “white card,” which recognizes fair play, was displayed during a match in Portugal on Saturday for the first time in football history.
While red and yellow cards have been used for decades. However, Portugal has introduced a “white card” as part of a series of new initiatives.
Referee Catarina Campos flashed the card, during a women’s cup match between Sporting Lisbon and Benfica over the weekend.
Someone on in the dugout had become ill, and medical personnel from both teams rushed to their aid. The referee then showed them the card, prompting applause from the crowd, reported THE SUN.
READ MORE: Matches To Bet On This Week & Tips
The card can be shown to recognize and encourage fair play. It is designed to ‘improve ethical value in the sport’.
The white card immediately recognizes a positive act during a football game.
However, the initiative is not yet widespread; it is part of a new football series. Allowing concussion substances and extending stoppage times are two other initiatives.
Meanwhile, Benfica eventually won 5-0 in front of 15,032 fans, a record attendance for a women’s football match in Portugal, to advance to the competition’s semi-finals.
