Football history was made last week when a white card was shown for the first time during a match.
The card was used in a match between Sporting Lisbon and Benfica in Portugal.
Usually, cards are shown when a player has broken a rule or displayed bad behaviour. However, the white card has the opposite meaning.
It’s shown in recognition of fair play, which means showing good behaviour and sportsmanship.
Why have a white card?
Portugal introduced the white card as part of a series of new initiatives to try and ‘improve ethical value in the sport’.
The move was adopted by the Portuguese Football Federation.
When was it used?
The white card was used by referee Catarina Campos during a women’s cup clash between Sporting Lisbon and Benfica in Lisbon.
The card was shown after someone in the stands had fallen ill, and medical staff from both teams quickly went to help them.
It received a positive reception from the crowd at the Estadio da Luz, with many cheering and applauding the decision.
However, as the card is currently only being used in one country it remains to be seen if any others will follow Portugal’s lead or how fans would react if they did so.
