Portugal is reportedly preparing to file a complaint with FIFA following Cristiano Ronaldo’s red card during their World Cup qualifying defeat to the Republic of Ireland.
The incident occurred on Thursday evening at the Aviva Stadium, where Portugal suffered a 2-0 loss, marking their first defeat in this World Cup qualifying campaign. Despite the setback, Portugal remains at the top of their group with 10 points, ahead of second-placed Hungary on 8 points, while Ireland is third with 7 points, with one match remaining.
Troy Parrott scored in both halves to secure Ireland’s victory. However, the focus has shifted to Ronaldo, who was sent off in the final half-hour for striking Irish defender Dara O’Shea with his elbow. The home crowd jeered Ronaldo both before and after the red card, which has been widely described as “silly.”
Ronaldo Faces Suspension, Portugal Seeks Reduction
- Pre-match atmosphere – The Irish coach allegedly created a hostile environment, having previously accused Ronaldo of influencing referees during the teams’ previous meeting at Alvalade Stadium. This exchange reportedly escalated tensions before the Dublin match.
- Provocation during play – Ronaldo is frequently fouled inside the penalty area, which can generate frustration, potentially explaining the reaction that led to his dismissal.
- Lack of precedent – This red card marks Ronaldo’s first expulsion in 226 international appearances, underscoring his otherwise disciplined record.
Ronaldo currently faces a three-match suspension, but Portuguese officials are reportedly preparing a complaint to FIFA in an attempt to reduce the ban to just one game.
According to Portuguese outlet Record, the Federation’s appeal will rely on three main arguments:
Head Coach Defends Ronaldo
Portugal head coach Roberto Martinez defended his captain, suggesting the red card appeared worse than the actual incident.
“The red card is just a captain that has never been sent off before in 226 games,” Martinez said. “I think that just deserves credit, and today, I thought it was a bit harsh because he cares about the team.”
Martinez added that Ronaldo had been repeatedly fouled during the match. “He was 58 to 60 minutes in the box being grabbed, pulled, and pushed. When he tries to get away, the action looks worse than it actually is. I don’t think it’s an elbow — it’s a full body movement, but from the camera angle, it looks like an elbow.”
The coach also expressed frustration at pre-match comments regarding refereeing. “The only thing that leaves a bitter taste is that at the press conference, your coach was talking about referees being influenced, and then a centre-half falls dramatically on Cristiano’s turn,” Martinez said.
Portugal’s appeal to FIFA is expected to cite the combination of provocation, context, and Ronaldo’s spotless disciplinary record in an effort to reduce the suspension.
The outcome will be closely watched ahead of the group’s final qualifying match.
Editing by M10News Sport Desk | Contact: sport@m10news.com
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