Martinez calls Ronaldo’s red card “harsh” after Portugal fall to Ireland
Portugal head coach Roberto Martinez believes Cristiano Ronaldo’s first-ever international red card was overly severe, after the captain was dismissed during Thursday’s 2–0 World Cup qualifying loss to Ireland in Dublin.
Ronaldo was initially shown a yellow card for catching defender Dara O’Shea with an arm to the back, but the booking was upgraded to a straight red following a VAR review, marking the forward’s first dismissal in 226 appearances for the national team.
Speaking after the match, Martinez said the incident was not as violent as it appeared on camera.
“I thought it was a bit harsh because he cares about the team,” Martinez told reporters. “He spent almost 60 minutes in the box being grabbed, pulled, pushed, and he tries to get away from the defender.
The action looks worse than what it actually is. I don’t think it’s an elbow — it’s more of a full-body movement — but from the camera angle it looks like one. Still, we accept the decision.”
The Portugal manager also took issue with comments made earlier in the week by Ireland boss Heimir Hallgrimsson, who suggested Ronaldo had “controlled the referee” in the sides’ previous meeting, a 1–0 Portuguese win in Lisbon.
“The only thing that leaves a bitter taste is hearing the opposition coach speak about referees being influenced,” Martinez said. “Then you see a big centre-half fall so dramatically at the slightest turn of Cristiano’s body.”
Despite the defeat, Portugal remain in control of Group F, sitting two points clear of Hungary with a superior goal difference. Ireland trail one point further behind as the group heads into the final round of fixtures on Sunday.
Portugal host Armenia, while Ireland travel to face Hungary, with both qualification and playoff positions still in play.
