Portugal’s World Cup qualification hopes suffered a shock setback on Thursday night as the Republic of Ireland secured a stunning 2-0 victory in Dublin, with captain Cristiano Ronaldo receiving a historic red card.
The 40-year-old Portugal skipper was dismissed in the 61st minute of the match at the Aviva Stadium for elbowing defender Dara O’Shea off the ball.
Ronaldo, who was initially shown a yellow card, saw the sanction upgraded to a straight red after a VAR review by referee Glenn Nyberg.
This marked the star’s first sending off in 226 appearances for the national side. Ireland secured the unexpected win thanks to two goals from Troy Parrott.
According to a report from the PA Media, Portugal manager Roberto Martinez defended his captain after the match, stating:
“I thought it was a bit harsh because he cares about the team… I don’t think it’s an elbow, I think it’s a full body, but from where the camera is, it looks like an elbow. But we accept it.”
The dismissal followed intense pressure on the referee, and the tension was visible as Ronaldo exchanged words with Ireland manager Heimir Hallgrimsson while leaving the pitch.
Hallgrimsson later revealed that the Portuguese star “complimented me for putting pressure on the referee. It was his action on the pitch that cost him the red card.”
The red card ensures Ronaldo will miss Portugal’s next match against Armenia.