New experience in Uruguay: electronic device for displaying yellow and red cards

Uruguayan football has witnessed an unconventional experiment with the use of an electronic device resembling a mobile phone as a substitute for traditional yellow and red cards, in a move aimed at developing the mechanism for recording disciplinary sanctions.

The experiment took place during the match between Nacional and Rentistas in the Copa Uruguay, which ended with Nacional winning 3-0, when referee Eduardo Varela showed the first digital yellow card in the 12th minute to Rentistas player Juan Pablo Blada, before using the digital red card later in the match.

The system, developed by a local company, relies on pressing a button to change the screen color to yellow or red, then identifying the player concerned by the penalty, allowing the infraction and its timing to be recorded electronically, instead of relying on paper and pen.

The initiative aims to link data in the future with the systems of the Uruguayan Football Association, facilitating the documentation of refereeing decisions. However, the experiment has faced criticism due to the difficulty in distinguishing the color of the card from long distances or when viewed from side angles, while the developing company is working on improving the device, which is still in the prototype stage.