Portugal captain says Irish manager’s referee comments are made to take the pressure off his side
Portugal’s Cristiano Ronaldo during a press conference at the Aviva Stadium. Photo: Brian Lawless/PA
Fri 14 Nov 2025 at 09:12
Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo has accused Ireland manager Heimir Hallgrimsson of trying to play mind games ahead of the sides’ World Cup qualifier in Dublin after the Irish boss claimed that Ronaldo would attempt to influence the referee.
Hallgrimsson had warned the match officials to stay strong in the face of the influence of Ronaldo in Thursday’s tie.
