Ronaldo vulnerable to being banned for first sport of 2026 World Cup if Portugal qualify after pink card in opposition to Eire.
Printed On 14 Nov 2025
Eire coach Heimir Hallgrimsson has mentioned Cristiano Ronaldo was incorrect responsible him for the pink card he acquired as Portugal fell to a World Cup qualifying defeat.
The five-time Ballon d’Or winner exchanged phrases with Hallgrimsson after being despatched off throughout Portugal’s 2-0 defeat in Dublin on Thursday.
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Ronaldo mentioned earlier than the sport the Eire coach had tried to place stress on the referee by telling the officers to not be influenced by the famous person striker.
Together with his staff trailing by two objectives within the second half, the 40-year-old was annoyed and elbowed Dara O’Shea within the again because the Eire participant marked him within the field.
“He complimented me with placing stress on the referee, however pay attention, it had nothing to do with me, it was his motion on the pitch that price him a pink card,” Hallgrimsson advised reporters.
“It had nothing to do with me until I acquired into his head.”
He added, “This was only a second of slightly silliness for him, I’d say.”
It was Ronaldo’s first sending off in 226 appearances for the nationwide aspect.
On the very least, Ronaldo will serve a compulsory one-game ban, however FIFA disciplinary guidelines require its judges to impose a ban of “no less than two matches for severe foul play”.
Regardless of the blatant elbow, Portugal supervisor Roberto Martinez mentioned the pink card was harsh.
“I believed it was a bit harsh as a result of he cares in regards to the staff,” Martinez advised reporters. “He was nearly 60 minutes within the field being grabbed, pulled, pushed and clearly he tries to get away from the defender.
“I feel the motion seems to be worse than what it really is. I don’t suppose it’s an elbow; I feel it’s a full physique, however from the place the digicam is, it seems to be like an elbow. However we settle for it.”
Martinez additionally questioned Eire supervisor Heimir Hallgrimsson’s feedback about Ronaldo “controlling the referee” within the reverse fixture in Lisbon final month, which Portugal gained 1-0.
“The one factor that leaves a bitter style in my mouth is on the press convention yesterday, Eire coach was speaking in regards to the side of the referees being influenced, after which a giant centre half falls on the ground so dramatically on the flip of Cristiano’s physique,” Martinez mentioned.
Portugal, who’re assured no less than a playoff spot, are two factors away from Hungary on the prime of Group F with a superior aim distinction. The Irish are one level additional again.
Portugal host Armenia whereas Eire journey to face Hungary within the ultimate spherical of fixtures on Sunday.