Scottish badminton star Kirsty Gilmour received a yellow card at the Yonex All England Open for taking too long during a bathroom break. The umpire penalized her for exceeding the two-minute limit. However, after reviewing the situation, the Badminton World Federation (BWF) canceled the penalty.
Gilmour had left the court because of an urgent situation related to her period. She later explained the reason for the delay, and officials admitted that the umpire had made a mistake in applying the rules.
This decision has sparked discussions about the need for better understanding of athletes’ personal needs during matches. Many fans and fellow players supported Gilmour, saying that players should not be penalized for such emergencies.
The reversal of the yellow card is seen as a positive step toward fair treatment of athletes. It highlights the importance of clear rules and better awareness of personal situations that players may face during tournaments.