Watch referee show ultra-rare WHITE CARD to player after Portugal introduced new rule
FANS attending a fifth-tier match in Portugal witnessed an extremely rare football sight.
A defender picked up the ball on the edge of his own area and suddenly collapsed.
A referee showed a rare white card during a fifth-tier match in PortugalRedit
A player was awarded the white card thanks to an act of fair playRedit
A player threw the ball out of play after an opponent collapsedRedit
That led to the opposing attacker, playing for Montemor, gaining possession at a very promising position that could have seen him beating the goalkeeper with ease.
However, the forward opted to kicking the ball out of play in order to help his opponent receive the necessary treatment and stood over him to check on his condition.
Fans in attendance all stood up and gave him a standing ovation for his amazing act of sportsmanship.
But that wasn’t all, as the referee approached the Montemor player and awarded him the infamous white card.
The opposing defender thankfully got up and was escorted out of the pitch with the help of the opponent who was booked earlier to receive necessary treatment.
The card was designed to show recognition to teams and players for acts of fair play and sportsmanship during a game.
The white card was brought in as a means of improving ethical values within the sport.
This was all an initiative of Portugal‘s National Plan for Ethics in Sport and it has been strongly encouraged by the Portuguese Football Federation.
CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS
It is believed this was only the second ever time this card has been shown in the beautiful game.
The first time took place during a women’s cup clash between Sporting Lisbon and Benfica back in January.
Benfica were leading 3-0 when a fan in the crowd complained of feeling unwell.
Medical staff from both teams rushed help out and referee Catarina Campos brandished the white card to all those involved.
