Portugal star Cristiano Ronaldo received his first red card for the national team as Roberto Martínez’s side suffered a shock defeat to Ireland in a World Cup qualifier.
Just before being shown a red card against Ireland on Thursday night, Cristiano Ronaldo was seen tearfully gesturing towards Dara O’Shea and then towards the home fans. It initially appeared he had avoided a red card for elbowing O’Shea, but a VAR check revealed he had been given his marching orders.
Ronaldo’s antics soon came back to bite. Immediately after the Portugal star was shown a red card, Irish fans copied the 40-year-old’s gesture and used it to mock him.
The veteran’s actions could end up hurting the team and hurting him more directly. Troy Parrott’s two goals gave Portugal three points, and their hopes of a comeback were dashed as they played the final 30 minutes with two goals and one man down.
This means Portugal will need to get a result in their final home match against Armenia in order to qualify for the World Cup. If they get there, he could end up being suspended for Opening Day if more than one game is served for his antics.
read more: Cristiano Ronaldo faces World Cup suspension after receiving red card for elbowing Ireland playerread more: Ireland coach details what Cristiano Ronaldo said to him immediately after receiving red card
Portugal coach Roberto Martinez has defended Ronaldo after he received his first red card in more than 200 international appearances. “I think it’s difficult for a player like Cristiano to be in the area all the match, to have to deal with defenders who are always in contact, who are always grabbing you…” Martínez said.
“There was no violence. Cristiano tried to clear the ball. He was unlucky. I think the angle of the image suggests something worse than what happened. His first red card with the national team, but this is still unbelievable.”
Ireland coach Heimir Hallgrimsson also spoke about the red card after the match. Asked about his interaction with Ronaldo, the Icelander said: “He complimented me for putting pressure on the referee.”
“But listen, it had nothing to do with me. It was his behavior on the pitch that gave him the red card. Unless I was in his head, it had nothing to do with me.”
Hallgrimsson previously accused Ronaldo of controlling the referee during Portugal’s last-minute win over Ireland in Lisbon during a comeback. Ronaldo addressed these comments during Thursday’s pre-match press conference in Dublin.
“I think he tried to put pressure on the referee because he’s a smart guy and knows where they can push,” Ronaldo said. “I’ve been around the game for many years and I know how coaches think and how they put pressure on their players and how they try to take pressure off of them.”
Ronaldo was aware that Ireland would be eliminated if they lost, but instead Ireland won 2-0, leaving the group with a huge chance. Portugal can secure top spot if they defeat Armenia, but third-placed Ireland and second-placed Hungary are both competing for automatic or play-off qualification to next summer’s World Cup.
After trailing 2-0 early on, Ireland drew 2-2 at home to Hungary, and a win against the same opponents on Sunday will ensure at least a place in the play-offs. On the other hand, Portugal will be without Ronaldo, who is suspended, for the match against Armenia, but they will still go into the match as heavy favorites.
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