"The five-time Ballon d'Or winner exchanged words with Hallgrimsson after being sent off during Portugal's 2-0 defeat in Dublin on Thursday. Ronaldo said before the game the Ireland coach had tried to put pressure on the referee by telling the officials not to be influenced by the superstar striker. With his team trailing by two goals in the second half, the 40-year-old was frustrated and elbowed Dara O'Shea in the back as the Ireland player marked him in the box."
"He complimented me with putting pressure on the referee, but listen, it had nothing to do with me, it was his action on the pitch that cost him a red card, Hallgrimsson told reporters. It had nothing to do with me unless I got into his head. He added, This was just a moment of a little silliness for him, I would say."
Portugal lost 2-0 to Ireland in a World Cup qualifying match in Dublin, during which Cristiano Ronaldo was sent off after elbowing Dara O'Shea in the back while being marked in the box. The sending off was Ronaldo's first in 226 international appearances. Ronaldo had exchanged words with Ireland coach Heimir Hallgrimsson after previously suggesting Hallgrimsson tried to pressure the referee not to be influenced by him. FIFA rules mandate a one-game ban and permit at least a two-match suspension for serious foul play, putting Ronaldo at risk of missing Portugal's opening 2026 World Cup match if Portugal qualify. Portugal manager Roberto Martinez called the red card harsh.
Read at www.aljazeera.com
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