Ronaldo is at risk of being banned from the first match of the 2026 World Cup if Portugal qualify after receiving a red card against Ireland.
Published November 14, 2025
Ireland manager Heimir Hallgrimsson says Cristiano Ronaldo was wrong to blame for the red card he received when Portugal were eliminated from World Cup qualifying.
The five-time Ballon d’Or winner had a word with Hallgrimsson after he was sent off in Portugal’s 2-0 defeat in Dublin on Thursday.
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Ronaldo said before the match that the Ireland coach tried to put pressure on the referee by telling him not to be influenced by the superstar striker.
With his team trailing by two points in the second half, the 40-year-old became frustrated and elbowed Dara O’Shea on the back as the Irish player marked him in the box.
“He praised me for putting pressure on the referee, but listen, that has nothing to do with me. It was his actions on the pitch that gave him the red card,” Hallgrimsson told reporters.
“It didn’t matter to me unless I got inside his head.”
He added: “I would say this was a bit of a stupid moment for him.”
It was Ronaldo’s first sending off in 226 international matches.
At the very least, Ronaldo will receive a mandatory one-match ban, while FIFA’s disciplinary rules require referees to impose a ban of “at least two matches for serious foul play”.
Despite the obvious elbow, Portugal coach Roberto Martinez said the red card was harsh.
“I thought it was a little tough because he cares about the team,” Martinez told reporters. “He was being grabbed, pulled and pushed in the box for almost 60 minutes, clearly trying to get away from defenders.
“I think the action looks worse than it actually is. I don’t think it’s an elbow. I think it’s a full body, but from the camera position it looks like an elbow. But we’ll take it.”
Martinez also questioned Ireland manager Heimir Hallgrimsson’s comments that Ronaldo “controlled the referee” during Portugal’s 1-0 comeback win in Lisbon last month.
“The only thing that leaves a bitter taste in my mouth is that in yesterday’s press conference, the Ireland manager was talking about the aspect of the referee being influenced, and then the moment Cristiano turned his body, the big centre-half fell to the floor so dramatically,” Martinez said.
Portugal, who are at least certain to qualify for the play-offs, are two points behind Group F leaders Hungary, who have an advantage on goal difference. Ireland are now one point behind.
Portugal host Armenia, while Ireland face Hungary in the final match on Sunday.
