 "This is Ronaldo’s first red card in 226 international matches. Image: Reuters")
Cristiano Ronaldo made some ignominious history on Thursday at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin, Ireland, as he was red carded for the first time while playing for Portugal. The 40-year-old had a tough night in the World Cup Qualifiers game as he was seen mocking the fans with crying gesture and was booed consistently by the crowd, eventually leading to his red card offence.
As a result of his first red card with Portugal in his 226th appearance, which is a record in men’s international football, Ronaldo now faces the risk of being banned from at least the first match of the 2026 World Cup, which will be played across the United States, Canada and Mexico.
During the pre-match press conference on Wednesday, Ronaldo had admitted that he was expecting a strong reaction from Irish fans, but tried to play it cool by adding how it would help his team.
“The stadium will boo me, I’m used to it, I certainly hope they do – maybe it will take the pressure off other players,” Ronaldo had said.
Ronaldo suffers a meltdown vs Ireland in Dublin
However, the former Manchester United and Real Madrid forward was not able to hide his frustration after being mocked by Irish fans and his team being 2-0 down as Ronaldo swung his right elbow in the back of Ireland defender Dara O’Shea in the 61st minute.
The referee initially gave Ronaldo a yellow card for the away-from-the-ball challenge but reversed it to a red card after being asked to review the incident on a pitchside monitor by the video assistant referee.
Ronaldo was in disbelief as he walked off after receiving his first red card for Portugal. The fans were seen waving goodbye to him and making crying gestures. The footballer was also seen making sarcastic gestures like clapping his hands and having a word with Ireland coach Heimir Hallgrimsson.
Portugal went on to lose the match 2-0. A victory would have secured them a spot in the World Cup 2026, but two goals from Troy Parrott ruined their night.
They still lead Group F by two points and a win against Armenia would be enough for Portugal and Ronald to reach the World Cup. But the major worry now is that Ronaldo could miss at least the first game of his sixth World Cup.
World Cup ban looms for Ronaldo
According to FIFA rules, Ronaldo would surely receive a one-match ban for the red card. However, a player can be banned for two matches for “serious foul play" and three games for “assault, including elbowing."
As the FIFA ban applies to official matches, Ronaldo can’t serve them in friendlies and exhibition games.
The animosity between Ireland fans and Ronaldo stems from their previous game when the star footballer celebrated Rúben Neves’ late winner in the face of Ireland defender Jake O’Brien. He was also accused of having too much influence on the referee.
Ahead of the Thursday game, Hallgrimsson had asked Swedish match referee Glenn Nyberg to restrict Ronaldo’s influence on his work during the match.
After the match, Hallgrimsson was asked what Ronaldo told him on the touchline after receiving a red card. He revealed: “Ronaldo complimented me for putting pressure on the referee.
Hallgrimsson went on to add that the red card was all Ronaldo’s fault.
“It was his action on the pitch that cost him the red card. It had nothing to do with me – unless I got into his head.”
Portugal coach Roberto Martínez defended Ronaldo as he criticised the Irish defenders for trying to bully the forward.
“The red card is just a captain that has never been sent off before in 226 games – I think that just deserves credit – and today, I thought it was a bit harsh because he cares about the team.
“He was 60 minutes or 58 minutes in the box being grabbed, being pulled, being pushed, and obviously when he tries to get away from the defender…
“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. But we accept it.
“The only thing that leaves a bitter taste in my mouth is at the press conference [Wednesday], your coach was talking about the aspect of the referees being influenced, and then a big center-half falls on the floor so dramatically at the turn of Cristiano’s body.”