Referee shows white card during Sporting Lisbon vs Benfica

This is the first time the white card was used

Sporting Lisbon and Benfica were both shown a white card during their fierce derby match after a new rule in Portugal was introduced. Yellow and red cards are commonly used however the white card during Sporting women's game against Benfica. With Benfica leading 3-0 at the time of the game, back in January, medical staff from both sides ran to the aid of a player who reportedly complained of feeling ill in the first half. After the issue the referee was seen brandishing a white card to both sets of medical staff, which was met with cheers from the crowd in Lisbon. https://twitter.com/B24PT/status/1616835067044577280?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1616835067044577280%7Ctwgr%5Ec1bb9cb7a8621c27d8125018ac086c09df45803b%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.thesun.co.uk%2Fsport%2F21124758%2Freferee-white-card-portugal-benfica-sporting%2F White cards have been introduced as part of a new initiative for officials to recognise and praise clubs for fair play during games and was introduced to improve ethical values in the sport. Although not a common practice yet, the white card is part of a series of new introductions in football. Additionally, concussion substitutes and longer stoppage time - as seen in the World Cup - have been brought in to improve the safety and entertainment of the game. Benfica went on to win the game 5-0 and advance to the semi finals. Related links:

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