History has been made in the game of football as first ever green card issued in a match in the Italian second tier (Seria B)

Referee showing a first ever green card in a match

Italia Seria B Referee has made history in the game of football to be the first to had issued a green card in a match which signifies an award for most fair player in a match and Vinceza striker Cristian Galano, received the first ever green for the fair play award.

The Italia Seria B officials made the announcement before the new season started, stating that a player with the most green cards at the end of the season will receive a reward.

Tuesday was the first instance of the new policy in action after Galano admitted that no Virtus Entella defenders had touched the ball when referee Marco Mainardi had incorrectly called for a corner kick.

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Cristian #Galano del @VicenzaCalcio è stato il destinatario del primo Cartellino Verde: ecco perchè  #SerieB #CalcioVero

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Andrea Abodi , the president of Seria B admits that the cards are largely symbolic, but is eager to promote the Italian second division in a more positive light following the match fixing scandal that rocked the league at the beginning of the season.

"It’s a symbolic award," Abodi said. "It could be something very simple. The important thing is to recognise it when a professional does something exemplary."

Seria B spokesperson added: "We think that football needs positive messages, this sport is too often embroiled in controversy that drives people away from the stadiums."