Cristiano Ronaldo received the first red card in his international career. He played 226 games for Portugal, and in last night’s match against the Republic of Ireland, he was sent off for the first time.
He had to leave the field during Portugal’s defeat against the Republic of Ireland (2:0) in the battle for qualification to the 2026 World Cup. In the 60th minute, in a visible burst of frustration, elbowed Dara O’Shea.
The referee first showed him a yellow card, but after the VAR check, he changed the decision and the Portuguese had to leave the game.
Red Card for Cristiano Ronaldo against Ireland. 🟥 pic.twitter.com/lLd9UVQ60d
— Drunk Jack Grealish 🍻 (@DrunkGreaIish) November 14, 2025
Ronaldo was sent off in moments when Portugal already losing 2:0and at the end is a double shooter Troy Parrott brought an important victory to the host at the Aviva Stadium. Although the captain of Portugal knew during his career react impulsivelythis is his first red card in the national team jersey.
Cristiano Ronaldo making a crying gesture towards Nathan Collins.
5 minutes later, Ronaldo was sent off for a straight red card. pic.twitter.com/6qvF3oIYc0
— george (@StokeyyG2) November 13, 2025
A possible penalty of up to three games
It is known that Ronaldo will sure to miss the last qualifying match against Armenia on Sunday. However, the final height of the suspension has yet to be determined. According to FIFA’s disciplinary rules, violent behavior — including elbowing — is punishable by a ban “of at least three matches or an appropriate period of time”.
The decision on the length of the suspension will be made by the disciplinary committee. If Ronaldo gets the maximum penalty, he could miss out Portugal’s first matches at the 2026 World Cup. That would be a particularly heavy blow for the player, who turns 41 in February and has already confirmed that this is his last major tournament.
Martinez: The punishment is too harsh
Menu of Portugal Roberto Martinez he also commented on the statements of Irish coach Heimir Hallgrimsson, who suggested before the game that Ronaldo’s status could affect the trial. Martinez believes that those statements potentially influenced the the referee’s assessment during the VAR checkafter which the Portuguese captain was given a red card.
I think that’s a little too harsh because it’s him care about the team. He was constantly in the penalty area, he was grabbed, pulled and pushed. The move looks worse than it actually is. I don’t think it’s an elbow, I think it’s the whole body, but from where the camera is, it looks like an elbow. However, we accept itMartinez said.
(www.jabuka.tv | Photo: X)
