Overview
- Cristiano Ronaldo was sent off against Ireland after VAR upgraded a yellow to a straight red for an elbow on defender Dara O’Shea around the 60th minute.
- Head coach Roberto Martínez called a multi‑game punishment unjust and said Portugal will present evidence to contest the case.
- Reports say an appeal or complaint has been lodged to FIFA, with a suspension range of one to three official matches under consideration.
- Suspensions are served only in official fixtures, so a multi‑match ban could extend to Portugal’s World Cup group stage opener depending on the final length.
- Ronaldo missed the Armenia qualifier, watched from the stands, and urged teammates on social media as Portugal cruised 9–1 to top Group F and qualify directly.