Cristiano Ronaldo was sent off for Portugal against the Republic of Ireland in a vital World Cup qualifier after throwing an elbow at an opponent.
The Manchester United and Real Madrid icon lashed out at Dara O’Shea on Thursday evening in the 59th minute. He was initially shown a yellow card but after a lengthy VAR check that was overturned and he was given a red card.
The Republic of Ireland were leading 2-0 at the time, thanks to goals from Liam Scales and O’Shea in the first half. Just before the hour mark, Ronaldo launched an elbow into the back of O’Shea, earning the booking.
He responded by a crying motion in the direction of O’Shea, as the home crowd at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin were baying for blood and referee Glenn Nyberg was sent to the monitor.
Ronaldo was then shown a red card and reacted by sarcastically applauded the booing and jeering home fans.
Ronnie Whelan, Liverpool legend and former Republic of Ireland midfielder, speaking on RTE, said: “Ronaldo put an elbow right into the back of O’Shea, that had to be a red card.”
Portugal have yet to qualify for next summer’s World Cup, but were unbeaten coming into this match.
Curiously, an opposition player has now been sent off in all three of the Republic of Ireland’s home World Cup qualifiers. It was Roland Sallai for Hungary, Tigran Barseghyan for Armenia, and now Ronaldo for Portugal.
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