Portugal is reportedly appealing to FIFA to reduce Cristiano Ronaldo’s three-match ban after his red card for an elbow against the Republic of Ireland during a World Cup qualifier.
According to a report from Football365, the Portuguese Football Federation (FPF) is preparing a formal appeal to FIFA following Cristiano Ronaldo’s red card in Portugal’s 2–0 loss to the Republic of Ireland.
The report says Portugal’s case will rest on three main arguments: the “hostile” atmosphere created at Dublin’s Aviva Stadium, remarks by Ireland’s coach accusing Ronaldo of influencing referees, persistent physical challenges Ronaldo faced in the penalty area, and the fact that this was his first red card in 226 international appearances.
Ronaldo was sent off after a VAR review upgraded an initial yellow card to red for elbowing Irish defender Dara O’Shea. The FPF argues the ban — currently set at three matches — should be reduced to just one.
Portugal head coach Roberto Martinez defended the captain, saying: “I think the action looks worse than what it actually is. … 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.”