Fans reacted positively after a white card was shown for the first time ever in a football match last Saturday.

Red and yellow cards have been an integral part of the sport for decades, but fans might be surprised that a white card was also introduced along with several new football initiatives, including extended extra time due to players wasting minutes and substitutions for concussions.

The referee raised the white card during a match that brought together the women's Sporting Lisbon team against Benfica in Lisbon in a local championship.

This is 𝐁𝐈𝐙𝐀𝐑𝐑𝐄 đŸ€Ż

The medical teams of Benfica and Sporting received a WHITE card after assisting a person who felt unwell on the bench


Thoughts on this?👀#Benfica |

#LigaNOS |

#Sportingpic.twitter.com/3GIkUxfbvE

— The Woodwork (@TheWoodworkUK) January 22, 2023

Shortly before the end of the first half, the fans were surprised by the color of the card that the referee raised and received it with enthusiasm and good form.

It was later revealed that the card had been marked to honor fair play and the ethical actions of both sides.

Amidst the fans' applause, the referee handed out the card to the medical staff of both teams after helping a person who felt unwell on the bench.

The move is part of a new initiative in Portugal to encourage players, technical and medical staff to behave in a sporty manner and to receive immediate recognition for their positive actions.

Benfica eventually won 5-0 to qualify for the semi-finals of the competition in front of 15,000 fans, a record attendance for women's matches in Portugal.