Soccer-Portugal manager Martinez says Ronaldo red card was harsh

Soccer Football - World Cup - UEFA Qualifiers - Group F - Republic of Ireland v Portugal - Aviva Stadium, Dublin, Ireland - November 13, 2025 Portugal's Cristiano Ronaldo reacts after being shown a red card REUTERS/Clodagh Kilcoyne

DUBLIN -Portugal manager Roberto Martinez said Cristiano Ronaldo's red card against Ireland was harsh after the forward was sent off for the first time in an international match in their 2-0 World Cup qualifying defeat in Dublin on Thursday.

Ronaldo initially received a yellow card for lashing out with an elbow to the back of Ireland defender Dara O'Shea but the sanction was upgraded to red after a review.