CRISTIANO RONALDO was SENT OFF during Portugal’s crucial World Cup qualifying clash against the Republic of Ireland in Dublin.
Ronaldo’s moment of madness came in the 62nd minute with Portugal trailing 2-0 following two first-half goals from Troy Parrott.
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Ronaldo was not happy after being show a red card against IrelandCredit: Shutterstock Editorial
VAR showed that Ronaldo struck Ipswich’s Dara O’Shea in the backCredit: Getty
The 40-year-old made a fake crying motion to O’Shea after the incidentCredit: Sportsfile
Ronaldo, 40, swung his elbow into the back of defender Dara O’Shea after being dragged into a tussle with the Ipswich Town star.
A frustrated Ronaldo was initially booked before VAR sent referee Glenn Nyberg to the monitor to have another look.
The Swedish official wasted no time in overturning his original decision and upgraded the card to a red.
Ronaldo, who was the subject of boos throughout the match, then sarcastically applauded fans and had words with Ireland manager Heimir Hallgrimsson.
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It was the 13th red card of the five-time Ballon d’Or‘s legendary career.
Ronaldo will now miss Portugal‘s crunch qualifying finale against Armenia, who are bottom of Group F.
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He could also be suspended for Portugal’s first game of the World Cup proper.
Bernardo Silva initially took the captain’s armband off the departing star, but was himself replaced soon after as manager Roberto Martinez chose to twist in search of a comeback.
Ronaldo gave the crowd a sarcastic thumbs upCredit: PA
Ronaldo then confronted Ireland boss Heimir HallgrimssonCredit: Sportsfile
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Ronaldo’s marching down the tunnel saw Joao Felix and Silva make way for Rafa Leao and Francisco Trincao.
But those additions could not spur the visitors to a comeback, with the scoreline remaining at 2-0 until the final whistle.
Victory on Thursday would have secured Portugal’s place at the 2026 World Cup in the USA, Canada and Mexico.
An opposition player has now been sent off in all three of the Republic of Ireland’s home World Cup qualifiers.
It was Roland Sallai for Hungary, Tigran Barseghyan for Armenia, and now Cristiano Ronaldo for Portugal.
