Portuguese media have condemned Cristiano Ronaldo following his red card against the Republic of Ireland, raising concerns over his availability for the 2026 World Cup. The 40-year-old forward, who currently plays for Al-Nassr in Saudi Arabia, was sent off for elbowing Dara O’Shea shortly after the hour mark, reports BritPanorama.
Initially shown a yellow card, Ronaldo’s punishment was escalated to a red following a VAR review, leading to visible frustration as he sarcastically applauded the Dublin crowd on his way off the pitch. This marked the first time Ronaldo has been dismissed at the international level.
With the potential for a three-game suspension looming, the incident could see Ronaldo miss crucial matches at the opening stages of the World Cup next summer, which will take place across the United States, Mexico, and Canada.
Ronaldo’s typically revered status within Portuguese football has faced a stark challenge, as the media response has been notably critical. A Bola rated his performance a mere 2/10, stating he should feel “ashamed” for his actions. Columnist Hugo Vasconcelos remarked on Ronaldo’s inability to handle the match atmosphere, pointing to a series of histrionics rather than taking responsibility for the incident.
Further assessments from various outlets have echoed the sentiment, with Zero Zero branding the match a “disaster” for the veteran forward. Reports indicated he struggled to contribute meaningfully, both in possession and otherwise, culminating in behaviour deemed unworthy of his stature.
While Ronaldo has yet to apologise for his actions, he was defended by Portugal’s coach Roberto Martinez, who praised the forward’s prior discipline during his international career. Martinez emphasized that Ronaldo had not been sent off in 226 appearances before this match.
As the team prepares for upcoming fixtures, the ramifications of Ronaldo’s behaviour are likely to be debated further. The shadow of his actions may linger, highlighting the intricate relationship between a game’s emotions and a player’s responsibility. In the tumult of international football, even icons such as Ronaldo are not above scrutiny, serving as a reminder of the thin line athletes tread between passion and conduct.
