Overview
- Ronaldo will miss Sunday’s qualifier against Armenia through automatic suspension as Portugal can clinch a World Cup berth with a win.
- Referee Glenn Nyberg initially cautioned Ronaldo for elbowing Dara O’Shea before upgrading it to a straight red after a video review around the 60th minute in Dublin.
- FIFA’s disciplinary code sets at least two games for serious foul play or at least three for violent conduct, and any additional matches must be served in official competitions such as the World Cup.
- The dismissal was Ronaldo’s first red card for Portugal, coming in his 226th international appearance.
- Ireland’s crowd jeered and chanted “Messi” as Ronaldo left the field, while coach Roberto Martínez said the incident looked worse on camera but accepted it could be a red.