Cristiano Ronaldo is set to miss Portugal's first game of the 2026 World Cup after being sent off for violent conduct in Thursday's qualifier against the Republic of Ireland.
Ahead of this week's game at the Aviva Stadium, a relaxed Ronaldo said he expected to be booed in Dublin following his celebrations for Portugal in the reverse fixture.
In fact, the five-time Ballon d'Or winner encouraged Irish fans to boo him. "The stadium will boo me, I'm used to it, I certainly hope they do, maybe it will take the pressure off other players," he told reporters.
"What I want most is to enjoy myself. It's not decisive but almost, we know that with a victory, we qualify. We want to finish it off now."
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A day later, on his 226th senior international appearance for the Selecao, the 40-year-old received a red card for the first time in his international career after his yellow card was upgraded to a red.
As seen in the footage below, Ronaldo swung his elbow at Dara O'Shea with 61 minutes on the clock.
Ronaldo should technically receive a two-game ban for his actions. It would be served in Portugal's clash against Armenia on Sunday and the first game of next summer's World Cup, assuming they automatically qualify.
Moments after the incident, an Ireland fan could be seen taunting the Al Nassr forward, who responded with a sarcastic thumbs up.
It was an evening to forget for Portugal and Ronaldo. In fact, just minutes before being sent off, the 40-year-old could be seen performing a sarcastic crying gesture – believed to be at one of the Ireland players – with his hands.
Ronaldo promised "to be a good boy" in the game against Ireland
Speaking ahead of Thursday's game, Ronaldo was speaking about former Manchester United teammate John O'Shea, who is the assistant manager of Ireland, when he mentioned the boos again.
Asked about O'Shea, he said: "Of course he was a guy that I played so many years with. I have a very good relationship with him, not only him, but some Irish people. I have some relations, and it's good."
With a wink, Ronaldo added: "I repeat, I hope that no one boo again against me tomorrow. For me, it's a pleasure to play here again. I swear that I'm gonna try to be a good boy."
In terms of the match, Ireland recorded a crucial 2-0 win over Portugal as a brace from Troy Parrott sealed all three points.
Heimir Hallgrímsson's side, who currently sit third in Group F, come up against Hungary in what will be a decisive final World Cup qualifier on Sunday. They currently sit one point behind second-place Hungary.
Topics: Cristiano Ronaldo, Portugal, Ireland
Jack Kenmare