A bizarre moment white card is shown by the referee during a football match in Portugal

A white card was shown for the first time in a football match in Portugal on Saturday.

Red and yellow cards for fouls and misdemeanors have been a fixture of the sport for decades, but fans might be surprised to learn of the introduction of a white card as part of a series of new initiatives in the country, which also includes an increase in stops. time.

A referee waved it during a Women’s Cup clash between Sporting Lisbon and Benfica in Lisbon at the weekend in a first for the game.

The official showed it (pictured) during a Women’s Cup clash between Sporting Lisbon and Benfica on Saturday

Shortly before half-time in the Taca de Portugal game – the Portuguese equivalent of the FA Cup – the official showed the card as it would have a red or a yellow, receiving a warm welcome from the crowd at the Estadio da Luz .

Someone on a bench in the dugout had fallen ill, with medical personnel from both teams quickly coming to their aid.

And it was later revealed that the card was held up to recognize fair play and ethical actions.

This happened after someone in the dugout fell ill, with the help of medical personnel from both teams.

And it was revealed the referee held it up as an acknowledgment of their sporty conduct

And once the matter was settled, the referee pulled out the card and showed it to members of both teams’ medical teams, with the fans cheering in a hearty ovation.

The move is part of a new initiative in Portugal to encourage teams to act in a sporting manner and receive instant recognition for their positive actions.

Benfica eventually won 5-0 to advance to the semi-finals of the competition, in front of 15,032 fans – a women’s attendance record in Portugal.

Their men’s team was also victorious, winning 3-0 in Santa Clara. Enzo Fernandez was among those involved and it has since emerged that Chelsea would be back for the World Cup-winning midfielder.