Cristiano Ronaldo is at risk of missing the first two matches of what he has already confirmed will be his final World Cup after receiving the first red card of his 22-year international career.
The Portugal captain was sent off during their shock defeat to Ireland in Dublin. Ronaldo was first shown a yellow card for a clash with Dara O’Shea, but VAR sent the referee to the monitor, and the yellow was upgraded to a red for elbowing the defender.
The automatic one-match ban rules him out of Portugal’s final qualifier against Armenia, a match where they need just one point to secure top spot in their group.
However, FIFA regulations state that “serious foul play” carries a minimum two-match suspension, while “assault, including elbowing” can attract at least a three-match ban. This leaves Ronaldo facing the real possibility of missing Portugal’s first two World Cup games next summer.
If Portugal qualify directly, he could return with the team already fighting for survival in the tournament. If they fail to qualify automatically, Ronaldo would instead miss the March play-offs that would determine their World Cup place.
Portugal coach Roberto Martinez insisted the red card was harsh, defending Ronaldo by saying he had been pushed and pulled throughout the match. Martinez also criticised claims that Ronaldo influenced referees in previous fixtures.
Ronaldo, who sarcastically applauded the decision as he left the pitch, later confronted Ireland manager Heimir Hallgrimsson, who said Ronaldo admitted the pressure comments may have gotten into his head—but insisted the dismissal was solely due to Ronaldo’s own actions.
Portugal now await the disciplinary committee’s decision, which will determine how much of the World Cup Ronaldo will miss.
