Green card to be introduced in football

Italian football bosses will try to revolutionise football by introducing a new GREEN card for referees.

But unlike its yellow and red counterparts, it will not be brandished when a player fouls an opponent or commits an act of misconduct.

The green card, which is to be introduced in Italy's Serie B league this weekend according to La Stampa, will be shown for things that the referee deems a player does well.

No, it will not be flashed when a deep-lying playmaker rifles a rocket into the top corner, or when the team's Lionel Messi wannabe actually pulls off one of his attempted 'Maradona' turns.

It will be presented to players when they perform an act of fair play - or "acts of virtue” on the field of play.

The idea has previously been adopted in the Italian youth leagues as a trial, but chiefs in the Italian hierarchy believe it can have great effect on the senior game.

By receiving a green card, the players will receive no on-pitch recognition, but the names will be noted and a list of the "most correct" players will be compiled at the end of the season.

Cards will be dished out if players, for example, kick the ball out of play when an opponent is down injured or if they assist the referee in correcting a call for their team, when he clearly gets it incorrect.

But bizarrely, green cards can be awarded for diving - providing you get up and admit that you made an error by going to ground.

According to Italian officials, the idea is to “highlight those who help to make the game a game and not a battle by primal instincts.”