Fulignati, Fumagalli, Joronen. These three names were not chosen at random, but because their behaviour in the final days of Serie BKT demonstrated fair play, fairness and cooperation in the true spirit of sporting competition.
To recognise, promote and encourage this behaviour, the Lega Serie B is reintroducing the “Green Card” award, which was launched in the 2015/16 season and will be presented to all those who distinguish themselves for an extraordinary gesture of exemplary fairness.
Paolo Bedin, President of Lega B: “We need positive examples, behaviour and attitudes that promote the principles of sportsmanship, ethics and respect. Identifying them within our matches, highlighting them and rewarding them allows us to elevate their value in the hope of generating a domino effect. On the pitch, in the stands and in public opinion”.
The green cards will be awarded by an internal League Commission, officially announced to the public and presented at the end of the championship in a special event.
THE FIRST THREE GREEN CARDS
– In the 39th minute of Frosinone-Empoli, a match brought forward from the 26th day of the Serie BKT championship, Empoli goalkeeper Andrea Fulignati was hit by a firecracker thrown from the stands, which fell near his feet. Despite this, after a moment of dazed confusion, Fulignati resumed the match without dramatising the incident.
– During the match between Pescara and Palermo, on matchday 27 of the championship, referee Fabio Maresca stopped the game and asked Palermo goalkeeper Jesse Joronen to confirm a corner against his team. Joronen said yes, the two shook hands, and then Insigne went to thank him.
– Matchday 28: in the 20th minute of the second half, with Sudtirol leading 1-0 over Reggiana, goalkeeper Alessio Cragno anticipates everyone by coming out of the area, controls the ball with his feet before stopping due to injury. Tommaso Fumagalli steals the ball from him, but instead of aiming for the unguarded goal, he puts the ball out for a throw-in.
LEGA B PRESS RELEASE