Overview
- Cristiano Ronaldo was sent off on a VAR review for elbowing Dara O’Shea in Dublin, his first dismissal in 226 Portugal caps, as Ireland won 2-0 through a Troy Parrott brace.
- The Portuguese Football Federation has lodged an appeal, with reports outlining arguments of provocation, a hostile atmosphere and Ronaldo’s clean record, in a process overseen by president Pedro Proença.
- Portuguese outlets report Ronaldo has left the national camp and returned to his club, though the federation has not formally announced his status.
- Ireland must beat Hungary in Budapest to stay alive in Group F, while Portugal can secure automatic qualification by beating Armenia; if the ban stands, remaining matches would roll into the World Cup.
- Ireland manager Heimir Hallgrimsson said Ronaldo told him he had ‘put pressure on the referee,’ while Portugal coach Roberto Martínez called the red card harsh and domestic media in Portugal condemned Ronaldo’s conduct.