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The judge issues a white card (screenshot)
For the first time in history: Referee Caterina Branco drew a white card in the 45th minute of the Lisbon derby between Benfica and Sporting as part of the quarter-finals of the Portuguese Women’s Cup. Those who received the ticket were the medical staff of both teams who treated the person who fainted in the stands.
The white card is one of the new initiatives in Portugal, it is designed to improve the ethical value in sports, give a positive message and encourage fair play. Reverse the meaning of the yellow and red card which represent punishment.
The referee pulled out the card just before halftime when the score was 0:3 in favor of the players in Banfika Lisbon. In the second half they scored two more goals and qualified for the semi-finals. By the way, over 15,000 spectators were present at the game, setting a new record in Portuguese women’s football.
