Football’s First-Ever 'White Card’ Shown By Referee In Sporting vs Benfica Clash In Portugal

While fans have gotten used to the referee signalling a yellow card or a red card to players who have fouled during the match, this was the first instance of a 'white card' being used in the match.

The white card, for now, has been introduced only in Portugal.

Source : Twitter/@B24PT/Screengrab

For the very first time in professional football, a white-card was used by the referee. The incident happened during a women's derby match between Benfica and Sporting Lisbon in Portugal. While fans have gotten used to the referee signalling a yellow card or a red card to players who have fouled during the match, this was the first instance of a white card being used in the match.

As per a report carried by JOE, the white card will be in play to recognise efforts of the clubs which promote the value of sportsmanship. This is expected to improve the ethical value in football.

During this particular instance, the white card was used for appreciation of the medical teams of both the clubs who rushed to the aid of an unwell fan. The white card, for now, has been introduced only in Portugal who have also adopted several other initiatives of FIFA. Not only has the world's football governing body introduced concussion substitutes in matches, they have also started  longer stoppage time- something which hogged the limelight during the group stage matches of the FIFA World Cup 2022 in Qatar.

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

Mixed reactions to 'white card' on social media

It would be interesting to see when the other European leagues adopt this. However, with the card finally being used, the other referees will also start using it when such a situation occurs during the match.

There have been mixed reactions to the initiative on social media. While a section of netizens appreciate what the card stands for, others argue that it doesn't mean anything in the context of the actual sporting rivalry.

Talking about the match, it was Benfica who comfortably emerged victorious, stitching a 5-0 win over their rivals. Their victory also implied a semifinal entry for them at the Taca de Portugal.