Portuguese Press React With Cristiano Ronaldo Set for World Cup Ban

The Portuguese media have reacted after Cristiano Ronaldo was sent off for Portugal on his 226th cap.

The five-time Ballon d'Or winner captained Roberto Martinez's side in a World Cup qualifier against the Republic of Ireland on Thursday night but things did not go to plan for Ronaldo and Portugal, who have still not yet secured qualification for next year's World Cup.

The UEFA Nations League winners fell to a shock 2-0 defeat in Dublin after Troy Parrott's first-half brace and their night was made even more miserable when talisman Ronaldo was shown a red card in the 61st minute.

The 40-year-old received his marching orders for elbowing Ipswich Town centre-back Dara O'Shea in an off-the-ball incident prior to a free-kick.

Ronaldo was sent off for the first time in his international career. Image: Getty

The former West Brom man fell to the turf after being struck in his back following a tussle, with Ronaldo, who performed a crying gesture, initially given a yellow card.

A VAR review saw Ronaldo's caution upgraded to a red card, his first in international football since his debut in 2003.

Portugal media pan Ronaldo online

He blamed Republic of Ireland manager Heimir Hallgrimsson for getting him sent off but press in Portugal panned Ronaldo for his dismissal, which could see him banned at the World Cup if Portugal qualify automatically.

A Bola described Ronaldo's actions as "regrettable" and said he ought to be "ashamed" after he said he would be a "good boy" in the pre-game press conference.

An article from Hugo Vasconcelos read: "Ronaldo is 40 years old. At Wednesday's press conference, he made a point of provoking opponents, the Irish national team coach, and the public. "He was the one who created the atmosphere that he couldn't handle.

"But the worst part was the reaction, that whole charade — from the crying, as if the Irishman who took the elbow was faking it, to the head gestures, as if he didn't understand what was happening, to the applause from the crowd, as if it was the fault of the stands, and not himself, that he was being sent off.

"Ronaldo made a mistake. The least he could do is apologize, but what he should really do is be ashamed."

Ronaldo will miss Portugal's final World Cup qualifier on Sunday. Image: Getty

Zero Zero, another outlet in Portugal, gave Ronaldo a 6.5 rating and had a similarly negative outlook in their assessment of his antics, writing: "A disaster. he captain of the National Team had a night to forget. With the ball, he was merely a body present; without it... he was even less present. He culminated this performance with an attitude unworthy of his career. He will miss the game at the Dragao stadium and, perhaps, the first match of the World Cup."

Meanwhile, O Jogo's Nuno Vieira wrote an opinion piece where he said that Ronaldo was "unable to withstand the pressure from the fans and, above all, the adversity of the result".

Still top of Group A with 10 points but yet not through, Portugal return to action on Sunday when they take on bottom team Armenia in Porto.

But they will be without Ronaldo through suspension and there could be a scenario where he is banned for two games at the World Cup if FIFA deem his dismissal to have been "violent conduct".

The Al Nassr striker is yet to comment on his sending off.