The referee makes history by showing first ever ‘white card’ a football match Since the 1970 FIFA World Cup,
In the match between Sporting and Benfica, the referee shows the first ever “white card.”
Since the 1970 FIFA World Cup, football fans have become accustomed to the referee’s ability to only show yellow and red cards to restricting players. However, authorities now have another weapon in their armoury – the ‘white card’.
CARTÃO BRANCO NO DÉRBI! ⬜👏
— Canal 11 (@Canal_11Oficial) January 21, 2023
As equipas médicas do Benfica e do Sporting receberam cartão branco por assistirem um adepto que se sentiu mal na bancada.#Canal11 #FutebolEmPortuguês pic.twitter.com/zTfvwiZFO0
The card was used for the first time in professional football on Saturday (21 January) during a match between Benfica and Sporting Lisbon women.
Since the 1970 FIFA World Cup, football fans have become accustomed to the referee’s ability to only show yellow and red cards to infringing players. However, authorities now have another weapon in their armoury – the ‘white card’.
- Mykhailo Mudryk Sends a Clear Message to Mauricio Pochettino Ahead of Chelsea’s Clash with Bournemouth
- Erik ten Hag’s Controversial Response Regarding Manchester United and Brighton’s Transfer Spending
- Mikel Arteta praised Gabriel Jesus, whom he claimed “changed the world for Arsenal last season”
- Four Arsenal Players Face Make-or-Break Period With Three Months to Salvage Their Careers or Face Uncertain Futures
- Former Chelsea Player Claims He Wasn’t Utilized Properly and Now Thrives as a Key Player for a Prominent European Club
It was introduced with Benfica leading 3-0 against their fierce cross-city rivals, and it was made necessary when medical workers from both teams hurried onto the pitch to aid one of the players.
The woman in issue had complained of feeling sick during the early stages of the game, prompting the medical camps to band together to help her.
In acknowledgment of their sportsmanship, the referee issued the never-before-seen white card to both sets of staff.
The audience at the Estadio da Luz clapped and applauded when the card was shown.
The white card is aimed to provide credit to clubs for acts of fair conduct during a match, in an attempt to ‘increase ethical value in the sport’.
The white card has been introduced in Portugal as part of several recent FIFA initiatives. Football’s international governing body has also added concussion replacements, as well as extra stoppage time, which was particularly noticeable during the 2022 World Cup group stage matches in Qatar.
With the white card finally in use, the goal is that additional officials will use it as needed during a game.
The white card, like the extended stoppage time, has elicited a mixed reaction on social media.
- Mauricio Pochettino Offers Insight into Chelsea’s Decision to Accept Offers for Ian Maatsen and Trevoh Chalobah
- Former Chelsea Player Claims He Wasn’t Utilized Properly and Now Thrives as a Key Player for a Prominent European Club
- Marcus Rashford Could Assume a Fresh Role for Manchester United in Upcoming Match Against Brighton
- Wenger Issues Arsenal a Warning Regarding Their Premier League Title Ambitions and Expresses a Singular Concern
- Sir Alex Ferguson Advises Erik ten Hag to Steer Clear of a ‘Perilous’ Jadon Sancho Situation at Man Utd
Many people replied with applause and praise emojis, showing their appreciation for what the card represents.
Others, on the other hand, were perplexed by the gesture.
“Effectively means nothing as far as I can see,” one Twitter user said.
“What absolute claptrap,” one person said.
Given this, it is possible that the card will not be adopted in the Premier League anytime soon.
For the time being, it is strictly a Portuguese effort, therefore all eyes will be on the country’s domestic leagues to observe how fans react to the white card over time.
Benfica, on the other hand, cruised to a 5-0 victory against their main domestic rivals to go to the Taca de Portugal semi-finals.
