Did you know there’s more to football than just yellow and red cards, have a look at the meaning of a green card in the game
A lesser-known addition to the referee’s toolkit is the green card.
In a groundbreaking moment back in January, a referee introduced a white card for the first time during a match between Sporting Lisbon and Benfica. This white card wasn’t for reprimand, but rather to commend fair play on the field.
What is a green card in football/soccer and its punishment and meaning
It was created with the intention of fostering ethical values within the sport. The green card made Its debut in June 2018 during the CONIFA World Football Cup, a tournament for non-FIFA affiliated international teams.
The first ever green card issued in the history of football! A historic moment at the @paddypower #WFC2018 World Football Cup. pic.twitter.com/Ebz0steawu
— CONIFA (@CONIFAOfficial) June 3, 2018
When a player receives a green card, they’re required to leave the pitch immediately. However, they can be replaced if their team hasn’t exhausted all their substitutes. Notably, a player who receives a green card isn’t excluded from their team’s next match.
According to CONIFA regulations, the green card serves as a middle ground between minor offenses and the more severe penalties of yellow or red cards.
It addresses issues like dissent, unsportsmanlike conduct, or minor infractions that don’t warrant expulsion from the game. In other sports, such as Italy’s Serie B football league, green cards are used to highlight positive actions by players, contributing to sportsmanship awards at the end of the season.
However, in smaller leagues, green cards may signify disciplinary actions for behaviors like diving or minor dissent.
Green Card Outside Football
Outside of football, the green card finds its place in various sports. In athletics, it indicates that a recall didn’t warrant a warning, often due to errors in false-start detection.
Canoe polo employs the green card as a warning for unsporting behavior or unnecessary communication with referees. Meanwhile, in field hockey, a green card signifies a minor offense resulting in a two-minute suspension, with repeat offenses leading to yellow cards and subsequent penalties.
Whether in football or other sports, the green card serves as a nuanced tool for maintaining fairness and sportsmanship on the field.
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