Ronaldo’s red card sparks clash with Ireland boss

November 14, 2025 Oliver Obel

The dismissal came just after the hour mark when Ronaldo was caught elbowing Irish defender Dara O’Shea off the ball. The Ipswich centre-back went down immediately, and after a quick check, the referee reached for a straight red card.

With Portugal already two goals behind, their hopes of a comeback were fading fast. As Ronaldo left the pitch, boos echoed around the Aviva Stadium. The Al Nassr striker appeared to respond with a sarcastic thumbs-up before turning toward the Irish bench in frustration.

Clips circulating on X (formerly Twitter) showed Ronaldo exchanging words with Hallgrimsson and his staff before heading down the tunnel.

Words on the touchline

Speaking to reporters after the match, Hallgrimsson explained what was said during the altercation.

“Yeah, he complimented me with putting pressure on the referee,” the Icelandic coach told Off The Ball. “But listen, it had nothing to do with me. It was his action on the pitch that cost him a red card. Unless I got in his head.”

Hallgrimsson downplayed the moment, calling it little more than a rush of emotion.

“I think we spoke enough when he went off,” he added. “There’s nothing to speak about. This was just a moment of silliness from him, I would say.”

Suspension looms

Ronaldo’s red card means he is expected to serve a two-match suspension — one that could extend into the 2026 World Cup if Portugal qualify. The dismissal adds pressure on Roberto Martínez’s side at a crucial point in their qualifying campaign.

Group stage pressure

Portugal now sit two points ahead of Hungary in Group F and three clear of Ireland following Thursday’s result. On the final matchday, Hungary host Ireland, while Portugal face Armenia in Lisbon. Martínez’s men are already assured of at least a playoff spot, but the automatic berth remains up for grabs.

Warnings before the clash

Ironically, Hallgrimsson had questioned Ronaldo’s influence on referees just days earlier, recalling the reverse fixture in Lisbon, which Portugal won 1-0.

“He was not only controlling the referee, he was controlling the whole stadium,” the Ireland manager said before the Dublin rematch. “The referee just kind of played along. I hope it will be the vice versa when we are in the Aviva.”

Those remarks proved prophetic after Thursday’s fiery encounter. Hallgrimsson had also urged officials to stay impartial, adding:
“Obviously, a player shouldn’t be refereeing. It should be the officials doing the refereeing.”

Sources: BBC Sport, Off The Ball, Reuters, AP