Portuguese manager Martinez believes Ronaldo’s red card was harsh

Portugal manager Roberto Martinez said Cristiano Ronaldo’s red card against Ireland was harsh after the striker was sent off for the first time in an international match in Thursday’s 2-0 World Cup qualifying defeat in Dublin.

Ronaldo initially received a yellow card for lashing out at the back of Irish defender Dara O’Shea with an elbow, but the penalty was upgraded to red after a check.

It was his first deployment in 226 games for the national team.

“I thought it was a little harsh because he cares about the team,” Martinez told reporters. “He was grabbed, pulled, pushed and obviously trying to get away from the defender for almost 60 minutes in the penalty area.

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«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 where the camera is it looks like an elbow. But we accept it.»

Martinez also questioned Ireland manager Heimir Hallgrimsson’s comments about Ronaldo ‘checking the referee’ in the reverse fixture in Lisbon last month, where Portugal won 1-0.

“The only thing that leaves a bitter taste in my mouth is during yesterday’s press conference where the Ireland coach was talking about the aspect of influencing the referees, and then a big centre-back fell to the ground so dramatically as Cristiano’s body turned,” Martinez said.

Portugal, who are assured of a place in the play-offs, are two points ahead of Hungary at the top of Group F with a superior goal difference. The Irish are one point further back.

Portugal hosts Armenia, while Ireland travel to Hungary in the final round on Sunday.

Published on November 14, 2025