Ask Onix
Ronaldo's Red Card in Dublin Sparks Controversy Ahead of World Cup
Cristiano Ronaldo's return to Dublin ended in controversy as the Portugal captain was sent off during a 2-0 World Cup qualifying defeat to the Republic of Ireland on Thursday. The incident, which saw Ronaldo clash with Ipswich defender Dara O'Shea, has raised questions over his availability for the upcoming World Cup, should Portugal qualify.
The Incident
With Portugal trailing to Troy Parrott's first-half brace, tensions flared in the 60th minute when Ronaldo and O'Shea jostled for position in the Irish penalty area. The 40-year-old forward appeared to shove his elbow into O'Shea's back, sending the defender to the ground. Referee Glenn Nyberg initially issued a yellow card but upgraded it to red after reviewing the incident on the pitch-side monitor, following a prompt from the video assistant referee (VAR).
Ronaldo, visibly frustrated, responded by sarcastically applauding the Irish fans and exchanging words with Republic of Ireland manager Heimir Hallgrimsson before leaving the field. His dismissal could now jeopardize his participation in the early stages of the World Cup, depending on the severity of the ban imposed.
Hallgrimsson and Ronaldo's War of Words
The clash capped a contentious build-up between Ronaldo and Hallgrimsson. Ahead of the match, the Icelandic manager accused Ronaldo of attempting to influence referees, referencing a previous encounter in October where the Portuguese star had a penalty saved. Hallgrimsson stated,
"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."
Heimir Hallgrimsson, Republic of Ireland manager
Ronaldo had earlier described his return to Dublin-where he made his Real Madrid debut in a 2009 pre-season friendly-as "lovely." However, the post-match exchange between the two was far from cordial. Hallgrimsson dismissed the idea of further discussion, calling Ronaldo's behavior "a moment of a little silliness."
Martinez Defends Ronaldo, Criticizes Hallgrimsson
Portugal manager Roberto Martinez defended his captain, arguing that the red card was unduly harsh. Martinez highlighted Ronaldo's previously unblemished record-226 international appearances without a prior sending-off-and suggested the decision was influenced by O'Shea's reaction.
"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," Martinez said. "The action looks worse than what it actually is. I don't think it's an elbow; I think it's a full-body movement."
Roberto Martinez, Portugal manager
Martinez also criticized Hallgrimsson for his pre-match comments about refereeing, implying the Irish manager's remarks may have contributed to the official's decision. "The only thing that leaves a bitter taste in my mouth is at the press conference yesterday, your coach was talking about the aspect of the referees being influenced," he added.
Potential World Cup Ban Looms
Ronaldo is automatically suspended for Portugal's final qualifier against Armenia on Sunday. However, the greater concern is a potential three-match ban for violent conduct under FIFA's disciplinary code, which could sideline him for the start of the World Cup.
If Portugal qualify automatically, a three-match suspension would rule Ronaldo out of their first two group-stage games in North America next summer. Should Portugal enter the playoffs, he would serve the ban during those matches instead. A disciplinary committee will determine the final outcome.
A Dramatic Return to Dublin
What began as a nostalgic return to the city where Ronaldo first donned the Real Madrid jersey ended in acrimony. The red card, combined with the verbal sparring between the Portuguese star and Hallgrimsson, has added a layer of drama to Portugal's World Cup qualifying campaign. Whether this incident becomes a footnote or a defining moment in Ronaldo's potential swansong on football's biggest stage remains to be seen.
