Ronaldo’s Red Card Against Ireland Was Harsh – Martinez

Portugal manager Roberto Martinez said Cristiano Ronaldo’s red card against Ireland was harsh after the forward was sent off for the first time in an international match in their 2-0 World Cup qualifying defeat in Dublin on Thursday.

Ronaldo initially received a yellow card for lashing out with an elbow to the back of Ireland defender Dara O’Shea, but the sanction was upgraded to red after a review.

It was his first sending off in 226 appearances for the national side.

Martinez said, “I thought it was a bit harsh because he cares about the team. He was almost 60 minutes in the box being grabbed, pulled, pushed, and obviously he tries to get away from the defender.

“I think the action looks worse than what it actually is. I don’t think it’s an elbow, I think it’s a full body, but from where the camera is, it looks like an elbow. But we accept it.”

Martinez also questioned Ireland manager Heimir Hallgrimsson’s comments about Ronaldo “controlling the referee” in the reverse fixture in Lisbon last month, which Portugal won 1-0.

He said: “The only thing that leaves a bitter taste in my mouth is at the press conference yesterday, Ireland coach was talking about the aspect of the referees being influenced, and then a big center half falls on the floor so dramatically at the turn of Cristiano’s body,”

Portugal, who are assured at least a playoff spot, are two points clear of Hungary at the top of Group F with a superior goal difference. The Irish are one point further back.

Portugal host Armenia while Ireland travel to face Hungary in the final round of fixtures on Sunday.

Ronaldo could potentially miss the start of Portugal’s World Cup campaign if they qualify.

While he is definitely suspended for Sunday’s final qualifier against Armenia, he could receive a three-match ban for violent conduct.

In Fifa’s disciplinary code, chapter two, Article 14(i) states: “Players and officials shall be suspended for misconduct as specified below… at least three matches or an appropriate period of time for assault, including elbowing, punching, kicking, biting, spitting or hitting an opponent or a person other than a match official”.

If Ronaldo is hit with a three-match ban and Portugal qualify automatically, he will miss their first two group games in North America next summer.

Ronaldo’s Red Card Against Ireland Was Harsh – Martinez is first published on The Whistler Newspaper