A match between Virtus Entella and Vicenza saw the first ever green card being distributedfor fair play. The green card isshown for fair play and the team who pick up the most green cards gets a reward at the end of the season.
This scheme was put in place to increase fair play in the sport and the first card was shown this weekend in the 53' minute when Vicenza were given a corner, but Galana, the forward, said no defender touched the ball meaning it should have been a goal kick, and when they told the referee this they got a green card.
Cristian #Galano del @VicenzaCalcio è stato il destinatario del primo Cartellino Verde: ecco perchè 😉 #SerieB #CalcioVero pic.twitter.com/orq9barJwq
The green card isn't physically acard that the referee's show in a game, but when fair play is shown it is documented and it goes toward their overall total. Serie B president Andrea Abdoli revealed that they are only given for an'extraordinary act', and had this to say about the new system:
"It's a symbolic award.It could be something very simple. The important thing is to recognise it when a professional does something exemplary.�
If it is a big success in the Italian second division, then we will start to see a whole host of leagues across Europe adapt to this season and would be a great influence on the rising stars of the game.