DUBLIN, IRELAND:
Just after announcing his impending retirement, Portuguese football star Cristiano Ronaldo has marked his record-breaking international career with an unprecedented stain: his first-ever red card in a national team match. The incident occurred during the World Cup qualifier against Ireland yesterday, potentially setting the stage for a severe suspension.
The 40-year-old globally renowned footballer was sent off the pitch in the 61st minute of the match in Dublin after he was judged to have elbowed Irish defender Dara O’Shea in an off-the-ball action. Initially, the on-field referee, Glenn Nyberg, issued a yellow card. However, following consultation with the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) and an on-field review, the decision was upgraded to a red card.
Concerns for World Cup Campaign: This red card is the first in Ronaldo’s historic international career, which spans 226 matches and 143 goals. While he has received 13 red cards at the club level, this is a national team first. Under FIFA regulations, such an act of violent conduct could result in a minimum three-match ban. This potentially means Ronaldo could miss the first one or two crucial matches of the upcoming World Cup, representing a major strategic blow for Portugal.
The sending-off occurred while Portugal was already trailing 0-2 following two goals scored by Troy Parrott in the second half. Ireland ultimately secured a 0-2 victory, boosting their own hopes for qualification for the 2026 World Cup and potentially forcing Portugal into a more precarious position.
