A white card was shown during a women’s cup match between Benfica and Sporting Lisbon - much to the confusion of fans.
What is a white card in football?
The reason that fans haven’t seen a white card before is because they have only been recently introduced to the game.
White cards have been brought to football as part of an initiative for officials to recognise and praise clubs for fair play and good sportsmanship during games. White cards are designed to improve ethical values within the sport.
The white card is a part of several other measures that have been introduced in Portugal. Other initiatives include concussion substitutes and longer stoppage times - as seen in the recent World Cup in Qatar.
Why was a white card shown in the Benfica vs Sporting Lisbon game?
Medical staff from both sides rushed to assist the player. After the issue was dealt with, the referee Catarina Campos then brandished the white card to both of the medical teams prompting a warm reception from the fans.
So far only Portugal has adopted the white card, and it remains to be seen whether it will be used in other leagues around the world.
