Portugal head coach Roberto Martinez has spoken out after captain Cristiano Ronaldo was sent off during their 2–0 loss to the Republic of Ireland in Thursday’s World Cup qualifier in Dublin.
The 40-year-old forward received the first red card of his international career after elbowing defender Dara O’Shea during a tussle in the box. Referee Glenn Nyberg initially showed a yellow card, but VAR intervened and advised a review, leading to the decision being upgraded to red.
The dismissal means Ronaldo will miss Portugal’s final qualifying fixture against Armenia on Sunday.
Reacting after the match, Martinez defended his captain, insisting the contact was not intentional and was only an attempt to break free from persistent marking.
“It’s difficult for a player like Cristiano in the penalty area,” Martinez said. “He had constant contact with the defenders, who were grabbing him. There was no violence — he tried to push them away.
“He was unlucky. I think the angle of the images makes it look worse than it was. It’s his first red card for the national team, which is incredible.”
Despite Ronaldo’s dismissal, Ireland capitalised on their momentum to secure a memorable victory, tightening the race in their qualifying group.
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