A historic moment took place in a Portuguese women's cup match between Sporting Lisbon and Benfica when a white card was shown for the very first time.
The card, which is shown to recognise and encourage fair play, was brandished by referee Catarina Campos during the match marking its maiden appearance in professional football. Despite a fierce rivalry existing between the two clubs, a clear example of sportsmanship in the Taca de Portugal cup tie gave the official the opportunity to use the new tool.
With Benfica leading their Portuguese rivals 3-0 on Sunday, medical staff from both clubs ran to the aid of a fan who had fainted in the stands just before the 44th minute of play. The Estadio da Luz crowd gave a rapturous reception to Campos' decision, with the medics involved applauded as they returned to their respective benches.
With the players originally looking confused when the referee took to his pocket before Campos became the first match official to show a card of any colour other than yellow or red. Traditionally cards in football are only shown when poor discipline is displayed but this may change across the game in years to come.
Benfica went on to win the game, which will now go down in the history books, 5-0 and advance to the last four of Portugal's equivalent of the FA Women's Cup. The white card is one of many new introductions from FIFA seen in recent times, along with extended stoppage time to guard against time-wasting, which was heavily in use at the men's World Cup last year and concussion substitutes.
However, so far it is only in use in Portugal meaning it will be some time before fans see it in-use in the WSL or Premier League, if they ever do. The introduction of the white card is part of a new initiative to encourage teams to act in a sporting manner and receive instant recognition for their positive actions.
Essentially the card is designed to give either players or coaches and members of staff immediate recognition for a positive act during a match. It won't be seen in England for time being, as the initiative to use the card comes from Portugal's governing body, rather than lawmakers IFAB.
The card is essentially more of a symbolic gesture, rather than punishing or rewarding teams as a game-changing action. But judging by the warm reception it received from fans inside the Estadio da Luz, the white card could be here to stay.
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