Cristiano Ronaldo was shown a red card during Portugal’s defeat to the Republic of Ireland in a 2026 World Cup qualifier and Piers Morgan has spoken out on the incident
Piers Morgan has slammed the “ridiculous” decision that saw Cristiano Ronaldo sent off during Portugal’s match against the Republic of Ireland. Ronaldo was shown a red card on the hour mark as Portugal lost 2-0 in Dublin in the World Cup qualifier.
The Al Nassr star was sent off for an elbow on Ireland defender Dara O’Shea, with the scoreline 2-0 in favour of the home side at the Aviva Stadium at the time of the red card. VAR checked the decision, and Ronaldo was given his marching orders, with the former Manchester United icon now in danger of missing the start of the 2026 World Cup.
Morgan, who recently published an in-depth interview with Ronaldo, has weighed in on the 40-year-old’s red card against Ireland. The outspoken journalist and presenter issued a clear verdict on what he thought of the decision, with a post on X which read: “Ridiculous that Ronaldo was sent off for resisting someone pulling his shirt back.”
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Morgan then shared a clip of Lionel Messi involved in an altercation with an opposition player. He said: “When Messi did exactly the same recently, nothing was done.”
Ireland manager Heimir Hallgrimsson was also asked about Ronaldo’s red card, including what the former United forward said to him after the forward was sent off. “He [Ronaldo] complimented me for putting pressure on the referee,” Hallgrimsson said.
“But listen, it had nothing to do with me, it was his action on the pitch that cost him a red card. It had nothing to do with me, unless I got into his head.”
Ronaldo’s red card means there is a chance that the forward could miss the start of next summer’s World Cup in the United States.
Portugal only have one more World Cup group stage qualifier left to play, and a ban of more than one match would see Ronaldo be suspended for the start of next summer’s tournament across the Atlantic.
The result of Portugal’s next match against Armenia will determine if Ronaldo misses the start of the World Cup. If Portugal beat Armenia, they would progress automatically to next summer’s tournament, but a draw or defeat could see Roberto Martinez’s side forced to take part in a two-legged play-off to qualify for the competition.
The length of Ronaldo’s ban is yet to be confirmed, with a red card typically leading to a three-match suspension.
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