Crowd turns on 'good boy' Ronaldo after all-time great shown red card for Portugal in controversial VAR moment
Portugal star Cristiano Ronaldo was sent off for elbowing Ireland defender Dara O’Shea in the second half of their World Cup qualifying game.
Ronaldo risks a two-game ban which would see him miss the first match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup tournament, if Portugal qualifies.
Ronaldo swung his right elbow into O’Shea’s back around the hour mark at Aviva Stadium with Ireland holding a surprise 2-0 lead.
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The referee issued a yellow card but minutes later upgraded it to red after a video review.
Ronaldo had promised to be a "good boy" ahead of the match telling reporters: "'It's a pleasure to come and play here again. Of course, it will be tough. I hope they don't boo me too much tomorrow. I swear that I'm going to try to be a good boy."
Cristiano ronaldo red card Stan
He mocks the crowd after being shown red. Sportsfile via Getty Images
Troy Parrott scored twice in the first half to revive Irish hopes of qualification.
Ireland, who have not qualified for a major tournament in a decade and last reached a World Cup in 2002, needed at least a draw to keep their qualification hopes alive.
"I think it's probably the best night that I've ever had in my whole life," player of the match Parrott said in a pitchside interview.
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Ronaldo causes a fuss on the sidelines. Sportsfile via Getty Images
"It's such a relief and an overwhelming feeling to see the hard work paying off... We all knew how important this game was for us."
Ireland still need a win in Budapest on Sunday to claim a spot in next March's playoffs after second-placed Hungary won 1-0 in Armenia. A draw at home to bottom-placed Armenia is likely the most Portugal need to secure automatic qualification.
- with Reuters
