NEW footage of Cristiano Ronaldo’s red card against the Republic of Ireland has emerged, with fans backing the Portugal legend.
Ronaldo, 40, was given his marching orders following a swipe at Irish star Dara O’Shea during his nation’s penultimate World Cup qualifying game.
In the 61st minute, O’Shea fell to the floor after a tussle in the area with the legendary forward as he waited for a cross.
Referee Glenn Nyberg initially reacted to the incident by showing Ronaldo a yellow card.
However, a VAR review prompted him to have another look and see how the Portugal star had smashed his elbow into the defender.
Nyberg decided to upgrade the punishment to a red card – the first of Ronaldo’s international career.
The forward was less than impressed with the decision as he could be seen sarcastically clapping as he marched off the pitch.
He had also gestured a fake crying face to O’Shea after the incident.
But he could have few complaints as new footage has shown the moment clearly.
Ronaldo can be seen to thrust his elbow and painfully connect with O’Shea’s back.
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The decision means that the Al-Nassr star faces missing the start of next summer’s World Cup finals.
The straight red card would see the one-match ban also potentially upgraded to a multiple-game ban.
A Uefa disciplinary committee will now decide Ronaldo’s fate regarding his ban.
Due to the violent nature of the sending off, it does not bode well for his aims of featuring in Portugal’s 2026 World Cup opener.
The 2-0 loss to the Republic of Ireland on Thursday evening did not affect Portugal’s spot in Group F.
Ronaldo and co were undone by a brace from former Tottenham Hotspur striker Troy Parrott.
They are still in pole position to qualify as they currently boast a two-point lead over second-placed Hungary.
Portugal’s final game of World Cup qualifying comes against Armenia on Sunday, which Ronaldo will be banned for.
Fifa‘s disciplinary code chapter two, Article 14(i) is clear and suggests that Ronaldo should be banned for more than just one game.
It states: “Players and officials shall be suspended for misconduct as specified below.
“At least three matches or an appropriate period of time for assault, including elbowing, punching, kicking, biting, spitting or hitting an opponent or a person other than a match official”.
If Portugal drop into the play-offs then he would serve his ban then and be available for the tournament should they qualify.
Portugal manager Roberto Martinez believes that the incident looked “worse” than it was and thinks the sending off was harsh.
He said: “The red card is just a captain that has never been sent off before in 226 games – I think that just deserves credit.
“I thought it was a bit harsh because he cares about the team.
“He was 60 minutes or 58 minutes in the box being grabbed, being pulled, being pushed and obviously when he tries to get away from the defender.
“I think the action looks worse than what it actually is, I don’t think it’s an elbow.
“I think it’s a full body, but from where the camera is, it looks like an elbow. But we accept it.
“The only thing that leaves a bitter taste in my mouth is at the press conference yesterday, your coach was talking about the aspect of the referees being influenced.
“Then a big centre-half falls on the floor so dramatically at the turn of Cristiano’s body.”
Ireland boss Heimir Hallgrimsson had an exchange with Ronaldo on the touchline after he left the pitch.
The pair could be seen to shake hands after having some words.
The Icelander said: “He complimented me for putting pressure on the referee.
“It was his action on the pitch that cost him the red card. It had nothing to do with me – unless I got into his head.”
Hallgrimsson was asked if he spoke to Ronaldo after the game ended but he admitted the talking was already done.
He added: “I think we spoke enough when he came off.
“There was nothing to speak about. This was just a moment of a little silliness from him, I would say.”
