A Portuguese league referee is trending online after flashing a ‘white card’ during a fierce women’s derby between Sporting Lisbon and Benfica.
In the match between Sporting and Benfica, the referee shows the first ever “white card.”
Football fans have grown accustomed to referees flashing yellow and red cards to infractions since the 1970 FIFA World Cup. However, this was the first time in the game that a white card was used.
When Benfica led 3-0 in the first half, the ‘white card’ was shown when someone on the bench in the dugouts became ill.
In recognition of their’sportsmanship,’ the referee brandished the white card to both medical teams who had rushed to the aid of the ailing fan in the stands. Benfica won the game 5-0 to advance to the semi-finals.
In the match between Sporting and Benfica, the referee shows the first ever “white card.”
The white card is designed to show recognition to clubs for acts of fair play during a match, in a bid to ‘improve ethical value in the sport’.
The white card has been introduced in Portugal as part of a number of recent FIFA initiatives. The game’s international governing body has also introduced concussion substitutes, as well as longer stoppage time, most notably during the group stage matches of the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
Below is a video of the referee flashing the white card…
CARTÃO BRANCO NO DÉRBI! ⬜👏
As equipas médicas do Benfica e do Sporting receberam cartão branco por assistirem um adepto que se sentiu mal na bancada.#Canal11 #FutebolEmPortuguês pic.twitter.com/zTfvwiZFO0
— Canal 11 (@Canal_11Oficial) January 21, 2023