The Al Nassr attacker was first given a yellow card in the 61st minute for elbowing Ireland defender Dara O’Shea, according to an ESPN report on Thursday.

Nevertheless, the referee upgraded the ruling to a red card following a VAR review. Although Ronaldo has been sent off 13 times at club level, it was his first red card for Portugal in his 226th international game, setting a record in men’s football.

Ronaldo is subject to a mandatory one-match suspension in competitive matches under FIFA disciplinary regulations.

Violent behavior may result in a penalty of “at least three matches or an appropriate period of time for assault, including elbowing,” according to the regulations.

Pre-tournament friendlies are exempt from the ban, which would only apply to competitive games.
Portugal knew going into the match that a victory would guarantee their spot in the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico, but Troy Parrott’s two goals startled the visitors.
Portugal currently leads Hungary by two points in Group F despite the defeat, so a victory over Armenia on Sunday would guarantee Ronaldo’s spot in his sixth World Cup.

Prior to the match, Ronaldo acknowledged the difficulty of playing at the Aviva Stadium, where he anticipated being jeered by Irish supporters.

“I really like the fans here,” he remarked. It’s wonderful how they support the national team. It’s a delight for me to return and play here. It will be difficult, of course. Tomorrow, I hope they don’t boo me too much. I promise to make an effort to be a good boy.

Following his dismissal, Ronaldo was observed responding to the jeers from the crowd with a sardonic look, clapping his hands and flashing a sarcastic two thumbs up.

Ronaldo’s red card followed earlier disputes with Irish supporters, including allegations that he had undue influence over the referee during the rematch when Rúben Neves scored the game-winning goal against Ireland in the last seconds.