The Irony of Cristiano Ronaldo's First Red Card for Portugal

DUBLIN, FRIDAY — The captain of the Portuguese national team, Cristiano Ronaldo, broke his promise to behave well during the match against Ireland. In that crucial game, Ronaldo displayed his worst side and received his first red card with the national team. The veteran acted out due to being caught up in the scent of past rivalries.

Ronaldo experienced one of the worst matches of his career at Aviva Stadium, Dublin, Ireland, on Friday (14/11/2025) early morning WIB. After failing to lead Portugal to secure a ticket to the 2026 World Cup due to a 0-2 defeat against Ireland, he was also sent off the field with half an hour remaining in the match.

The 40-year-old striker was caught elbowing the back of the home defender Dara O'Shea at the beginning of the second half. Referee Glenn Nyberg initially issued a yellow card. After receiving advice from the video assistant referee (VAR), Nyberg revised his decision to a red card.

In the review, Ronaldo was seen deliberately swinging his elbow towards an opposing player. The movement was not natural. They were not contesting the ball. As a result, the captain had to resign himself to receiving the first red card in his 226th international appearance with Portugal.

Ronaldo's immature actions continued following the incident of the elbowing. The megastar of Al-Nassr club made a gesture that seemed to ask O'Shea not to be so sensitive. He pretended to wipe away tears. This gesture received a negative response from tens of thousands of Irish supporters.

Instead of feeling guilty after being expelled, Ronaldo raised two thumbs up with an arrogant expression. He seemed to be saying that he was just fine. Ronaldo also briefly debated with the opposing coach Heimir Hallgrimsson while walking off the field.

"He praised me for successfully pressuring the referee," said Hallgrimsson about the debate with Ronaldo that ended with a handshake. "(However) his actions on the field that led to his red card have nothing to do with me, unless I was in his head," the coach continued.

Ronaldo's behavior in Dublin did not align with his promises made during the press conference before the match. He had stated that he would focus on the game despite receiving provocation from opposing supporters. "I hope they do not mock me too much tomorrow. I swear I will try to be a good boy," he said.

"CR7," as he is called, has been under the spotlight of the Irish public following the previous encounter at home in Portugal last October. In the match that ended with a dramatic victory for Portugal through a last-minute goal, Ronaldo appeared to celebrate the goal excessively in front of the opposing players.

Ronaldo deliberately shouted and jumped in front of O’Shea and Nathan Collins. This expression was a manifestation of the accumulation of his emotions throughout the match. He fought hard against the Irish defenders during the game. When given the opportunity for a penalty, Ronaldo also failed to execute it.

In addition to the inherent conflicts from previous meetings, Ronaldo was also displeased with the psychological warfare from the opposing coach ahead of the match. Hallgrimsson had requested the referee not to be influenced by Ronaldo's prominent name, especially when making vital decisions such as penalties.

The seeds of the conflict converged in Dublin. Coincidentally, Ronaldo arrived with excessive ambition. He aimed to lead Portugal to qualify directly for the World Cup. Meanwhile, the team coached by Roberto Martinez could secure the top position in Group F if they won against Ireland.

Martinez defended his protégé. "I think that (the punishment) is too harsh because he was merely showing concern for the team. He was pulled and pushed for 60 minutes in the penalty box. In that moment, he was just trying to free himself from the opposing defender. It was not an elbow, contrary to how it appears from the camera angle," he stated.

As a result of that action, Ronaldo is confirmed to be absent from the final group match against Armenia next Monday. Portugal, with 10 points, needs a victory to secure the status of group champion and a direct ticket to the World Cup. They are being closely followed by Hungary (8) and Ireland (7).

"CR7" also has the potential to miss the opening match of the World Cup if Portugal successfully qualifies. According to FIFA's disciplinary code, players may face a suspension of at least three matches if they engage in inappropriate actions, such as elbowing, hitting, or kicking an opponent.

There was not much to highlight about Ronaldo in the match earlier, aside from the red card. He only managed one shot on goal due to difficulties in facing physical duels in the opponent's penalty area. The stage that should have belonged to the megastar was taken over by Irish striker Troy Parrott, who became the home team's hero with a contribution of two goals. (AP/REUTERS)