The Portugal captain was sent off in the 61st minute for violent conduct, following an off-the-ball elbow on defender Dara O’Shea.
Although the referee initially issued a yellow card, the booking was upgraded to a red after a VAR-initiated pitchside review.
This marks Ronaldo’s first dismissal in 226 international appearances, despite having 13 red cards at club level.
FIFA Rules: Ronaldo Could Face Multi-Match Suspension
Ronaldo will now sit out Portugal’s next qualifier against Armenia on Sunday — a crucial fixture that could secure their qualification for World Cup 2026 in the USA, Canada and Mexico.
According to the FIFA disciplinary code:
Serious foul play: minimum two-match suspension
Violent conduct (including elbowing): minimum three-match ban or longer “appropriate period”
Any suspension will apply strictly to competitive matches, meaning friendlies cannot be used to serve the ban.
Roberto Martínez Calls the Red Card ‘Harsh’
Portugal head coach Roberto Martínez defended his star player, arguing the decision was overly severe.
“He has never been sent off in 226 games — that deserves credit,” Martínez said. “He spent almost an hour being grabbed and pushed. The action looks worse than it is from that camera angle. I don’t think it is an elbow.”
He also hinted that comments from the Irish camp regarding officiating might have influenced perceptions before the game.
Ireland Shock Portugal With Parrott Brace
Portugal entered the match needing a win to confirm qualification, but Troy Parrott stunned the visitors with a brilliant brace.
Despite the defeat, Portugal remain two points ahead of Hungary in Group F. If they beat Armenia, their World Cup spot will be confirmed — though Ronaldo’s participation depends on the final disciplinary ruling.
Tension Escalates After Previous Fixture
The match carried tension from the reverse fixture, where Ronaldo was accused of influencing the referee and had celebrated aggressively in front of Irish defender Jake O’Brien.
Ahead of this clash, Ireland coach Heimir Hallgrimsson publicly urged the referee not to allow Ronaldo to “control the game.”
On being sent off, Ronaldo reacted with sarcastic applause toward the crowd and exchanged sharp words with Hallgrimsson.
“He complimented me for putting pressure on the referee,” Hallgrimsson said afterward. “His own action cost him the red card — nothing to do with me. It was just a moment of silliness.”
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