In football games across the world, fans are accustomed to referees flashing yellow and red cards for disciplinary issues. But in unprecedented fashion, a women’s derby match between Benfica and Sporting Lisbon in Portugal saw the official bring out a ‘white card’. The incident took place in a women’s cup match being played in Portugal on Saturday where someone on the bench in the stands wasn’t feeling well at the end of the first half.
Follow Taca de Portugal live scores and updates on SportsTiger app and website.
The medical teams of both sides rushed to help the unwell fan in the stands. Hence to recognise these efforts and the ‘sportsmanship, the referee waived a white card. The response from the medical staff and the official's decision to reward them received massive applause from fans at the Estadio da Luz.
Watch the video here:
The white card has been introduced in Portugal as part of multiple FIFA initiatives of late. Football’s international governing body has also introduced other initiatives like concussion substitutes during the game, as well as longer stoppage time – which was most notably seen during the group stage matches at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
Talking about the Taça de Portugal Feminina game, hosts Benfica registered a massive 5-0 victory over arch-rival Sporting Lisbon. For the home side, Jéssica Silva kickstarted this onslaught with a pair of goals in 15 and 18 minutes. Then Brazilian starlet Ana Vitória doubled the tally with goals at 38 and 52 minutes. To finish off the game, Nigerian star Christy Ucheibe scored the fifth goal in the 76th minute.
Download SportsTiger app for the latest sports news and updates.