Portuguese referee makes history by dishing out the first ever ‘white card’

Portuguese referee showed white card as an act of 'fair play'

Benfica Players celebrate massive win during quarter final clash with Sporting Lisbon. Image via Benfica women's official instagram page.

In a women’s match between Sporting Lisbon and Benfica in Portugal, referee Catarina Campos created history by showing the first-ever white card in football history. The rare card was shown as a sign to recognize the fair play and motivate players to display sportsmanship.

The white card was shown in a women’s cup quarter-final on January 21 during a clash between fierce rivals Sporting Lisbon and Benfica. This initiative has been introduced to encourage fair play. The exact rules and regulations related to the white card have not yet been announced. It was previously expected to be a warning to players, without issuing a much more formal yellow card.

The specific reason for the white card being used in the women’s quarter-final match is yet to be confirmed. Once the rules and regulations are released, the exact use of the white card will be confirmed. The rare card was produced during the quarter-final match when a substitute player fell sick. Surprisingly, the medical team from both sides rushed to the player’s aide.

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The official then produced a white card and issued to both the medical teams for their quick reaction and fair play. The use of white cards will surely promote fair play and conduct of sportsmanship from players and staff.

Referee makes history by showing first ever 'white card' pic.twitter.com/7z4zxhZNeA
— SPORTbible (@sportbible) January 22, 2023

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Fans react to the rare white card being produced during women’s quarter-final

As Benfica was leading 3-0 while heading towards half time, referee Catarina Campos showed a white card to both the medical staff. It was met with positive and warm reactions from the fans.

Benfica went on to win 5-0 over arch-rivals Sporting Lisbon, as they eased into the semi-finals of the women’s cup. The women’s cup is the Portuguese equivalent of the Women’s cup. The match went on to be the record highest attendance for a women’s match in Portugal, with an attendance of 15,032 fans attending the quarter-final in Estadio da Luz.

As equipas médicas de Benfica e Sporting receberam cartão branco após assistirem uma pessoa que se sentiu mal na bancada ? pic.twitter.com/ihin0FAlJF
— B24 (@B24PT) January 21, 2023

The immensely positive reaction from the fans will be an initiative for the increased usage of the rare white card. Fans were really happy with the recognition of sportsmanship from the medical staff. This card will greatly ensure fair play soon after the formal rules and regulations are announced.