First white card issued in Portuguese football match

A white card has been issued for the first time in a football match in Portugal. The card was shown during a women's cup match between Sporting Lisbon and Benfica on Saturday after medical staff from both clubs rushed to help a fan who had fainted in the stands as Benfica led 3-0 during the first half. Referee Catarina Campos then showed the card to both teams.

The gesture recognizes and praises acts of fair play.

The decision was applauded and cheered by Lisbon's Estadio da Luz fans. The cards were introduced as part of Portugal's National Plan for Ethics in Sport initiative to encourage fair play and have been adopted by the Portuguese Football Federation.

So far only Portugal has adopted the white card. They contrast yellow and red cards which are used to discipline players for misconduct.

Published on Monday 23 January 2023 - Source News: https://news.sky.com/story/white-card-issued-for-first-time-in-portuguese-football-match-12793741