Football has extremely rare white card that's only been shown to players a handful of times

15,000 fans were in attendance to witness the rare showing of a white card in a moment which went viral on social media.

Red and yellow cards were introduced back in the 1970 World Cup and are key part of the application of rules within the game.

But back in January 2023, football history was made during the women's game between Benfica and Sporting CP.

The two Lisbon sides met in the e Portuguese women's Cup quarter-finals and it was Benfica who strolled to a 5-0 victory at the Estadio da Luz.

Yet the match became notable as Catarina Campos became the first referee to show a special white card in football.

In the 44th minute, with Benfica 3-0 up, a woman in the crowd complained of feeling unwell in the stands and so medical staff from both teams rushed quickly to her aid.

Campos proceeded to reach for her top pocket and instead of pulling out a red or yellow card, brandished a white card to recognise the heroics of those involved.

What is the white card all about?

The white card, which was loudly cheered by the fans in attendance, came about as part of initiative of Portugal's National Plan for Ethics in Sport (PNED) to try and continue to practice sport with fair play, with players, managers, coaches and even medical staff able to be shown the white card.

It was encouraged by the Portuguese Football Federation (FPF) in domestic tournaments such as the Liga Portugal, while a United Nations report said that more than 2,000 white cards were handed in youth football in the country.

“The aim of the card is to recognise, highlight and reward ethically relevant attitudes and behaviour of practitioners, coaches, managers, among other agents directly involved in the game, as well as spectators” the PNED said.

But it has not been rolled out across the world as IIFAB (International Football Association Board (IFAB) have not approved its use.

According to a report from the Olympics website, former UEFA president Michel Platini proposed a white card but he was advocating for it to be brought in to bring about a sin bin in a bid to stop constant dissent towards officials.

However, football lawmakers did sign off on the introduction of new blue cards - which effectively serves the same purpose - though there has not been too much movement after some trials.

A pink card was given the green light for the Copa America in the United States last season, signifying managers being allowed an extra substitute following a concussion or head injury.