Bizarre moment a referee brandishes a WHITE CARD for the first time EVER in a football match in Portugal
- A referee has made history in a Sporting Lisbon vs Benfica match in Portugal
- The official showed a white card for the first time ever in the history of the sport
- It’s part of introductions including concussion subs and longer stoppage time
A white card was shown for the first time ever in a football match in Portugal on Saturday.
Red and yellow cards for fouls and misdemeanours have been an integral part of the sport for decades, but supporters may be surprised to learn about the introduction of a white one as part of a series of new initiative in the country, which also includes increased stoppage time and concussion substitutes.
A referee brandished the card – shown to recognise and encourage fair play – during a women’s cup clash between Sporting Lisbon and Benfica in Lisbon at the weekend in a first for the game.
The official showed the white card during a women’s cup clash between Sporting Lisbon and Benfica on Saturday
Shortly before half-time in the Taca de Portugal match – the Portuguese equivalent of the FA Cup – the official showed the card as she would have a red or yellow, and received a good reception from the crowd at the Estadio da Luz.
Someone on a bench in the dugout had fallen ill, with medical staff from both teams quickly going to their aid.
The referee took out the card and showed it to members of both sides’ medical teams, prompting a warm reception from fans.
The card can be shown to recognise and encourage fair play and is designed to ‘improve ethical value in the sport’.
The move is part of a new initiative in Portugal to encourage sides to act in a sporting manner and receive instant recognition for their positive actions.
It came after someone in the dugout fell ill, with medical staff from both teams helping them
The referee brandished it as a recognition of their sportsmanlike conduct during the match
Benfica eventually won 5-0 in front of 15,032 fans – a record attendance for a women’s football match in Portugal – to progress to the semi-finals of the competition.
Their men’s side were also victorious as they won 3-0 away at Santa Clara. Enzo Fernandez was among those involved and it has since emerged that Chelsea are reportedly back in for the World Cup-winning midfielder.