Before Portugal’s World Cup qualifying clash against the Republic of Ireland on Thursday night, Cristiano Ronaldo promised to be a ‘good boy’ amid expectations of a hostile Dublin crowd.
Fast-forward to now, however, and the 40-year-old is in the spotlight for all the wrong reasons after a night to forget.
As Ireland secured victory via a Troy Parrott double, Ronaldo was shrinking into the shadows. The veteran barely made an impact in the fixture but, somewhat typically, remained on the field.
That is, until the 61st minute when he received his marching orders for swinging an elbow at Dara O’Shea.
It was a moment of madness from Ronaldo, who has now been sent off for the 14th time in his career. To make matters worse, he could now miss Portugal’s first game of the 2026 World Cup.
Typically, red cards mean a one-match ban.
However, because Ronaldo dismissed for violent conduct, it means Portugal face being without their talisman for the opening game of the tournament – providing they qualify automatically.
Cristiano Ronaldo was furious after his red card for Portugal against Ireland | GETTY
Five things to know about Cristiano Ronaldo | GETTY/REUTERS
Roberto Martinez’s men are one of the best teams in the world and the reigning Nations League champions, having beaten Spain to secure glory in that competition back in the summer.
They have, however, made hard work of qualifying.
While they sit top of their group, they’ve accumulated 10 points from a possible 15. That means they must beat Armenia on Sunday to absolutely guarantee their involvement in next summer’s competition.
Cristiano Ronaldo rounded on Ireland boss Heimir Hallgrimsson following his red card on Thursday night | GETTY
It will be down to FIFA’s disciplinary committee to decide how long the Al-Nassr forward is banned for.
They could, potentially, opt not to extend his suspension whatsoever – which would leave him free to play from the start at the World Cup.
But a red card for ‘assault, including elbowing, punching, kicking, biting, spitting or hitting an opponent’ should actually carry a three-game ban.
Decisions are made on a case-by-case basis. There’s even a possibility that he’ll be banned for two fixtures, instead of the maximum amount.
Meanwhile, Portugal boss Roberto Martinez defended his talisman after the defeat to Ireland and pointed to Ronaldo’s previously flawless disciplinary record as proof that he merely made a mistake.
“He’s just a captain that has never been sent off before in 226 games, so I think that deserves credit,” he stated.
Roberto Martinez has defended Cristiano Ronaldo following his red card for Portugal against Ireland
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GETTY
“Today, I think it was a bit harsh, because he cares about the team. He had 60 minutes being grabbed, being pulled, being pushed.
“Obviously when he tries to get away from the defender, the action looks worse than it actually is. I don’t think it’s the elbow, I think it’s the full body. But from where the camera is, it looks like an elbow.
“We accept it because it is a red card. But it is for the right reasons; he cares, he was in the mood of the team and we were frustrated.”
Martinez also took aim at Ireland coach Heimir Hallgrimsson, who had accused his skipper of trying to influence the officials in the first game.
“The only thing that leaves a taste in my mouth is that in the press conference, your coach was talking about the aspect of the referees being influenced and then a big centre-half falls on the floor, dramatically, for Cristiano,” he said.
“We need to make sure we win the next game for him.”
