Cristiano Ronaldo punished by Portugal with superstar 'sent home' after violent red card in Ireland defeat

The sending off came shortly after the hour mark when Ronaldo swung an arm after failing to meet a cross.

O’Shea went to ground, the referee initially produced a yellow card, and VAR later upgraded the decision to red.

It was the first dismissal of Ronaldo’s 226 appearances for Portugal and was met with clear disbelief from the 40-year-old, who sarcastically applauded the crowd before heading down the tunnel.

He also appeared to exchange heated words towards the Irish bench before being ushered away.

Under FIFA rules, straight red cards carry suspensions that apply to tournament matches, meaning Ronaldo could miss Portugal’s opening fixture at what is expected to be his final World Cup.

Portugal must still secure qualification, needing victory over Armenia on Sunday to avoid potential reliance on the play offs.

According to A Bola, Ronaldo has now been “released” from the squad and is set to return to Saudi Arabia, where he will rejoin Al-Nassr ahead of their match against Al Khaleej on November 23.

Roberto Martínez defended his captain after the match, arguing the incident had been misinterpreted.

“There’s no violence,” he said. “He tries to push the defender away and he was unlucky with the VAR angle. It’s Ronaldo’s first red card for the national team, it’s incredible.”

The evening had begun with Ronaldo joking he would be a “good boy” on his return to Dublin.

The match ended in stark contrast, with Portugal falling to a disciplined and energetic Irish side inspired by two goals from Troy Parrott.

Parrott headed Ireland in front after 16 minutes and doubled the lead before half time with a precise finish through Rúben Dias’s legs. Despite Portugal introducing João Félix, Bernardo Silva and Rafael Leão off the bench, they struggled to break down Ireland’s defence.

Parrott called it “the best night of his entire life,” adding: “We all know how important this game was for us. I am overwhelmed.”

The win keeps Ireland’s qualification hopes alive. They sit a point behind Hungary heading into a decisive meeting between the nations on Sunday.

Ireland manager Heimir Hallgrimsson praised his players for their work rate and organisation.

On Ronaldo’s dismissal, he said: “He lost his focus a little bit. He was frustrated and reacted in a way he knows he shouldn’t.

"He said that to me walking away [about Hallgrimsson's comments about the referee before the game], told me it was a clever thing to do and blamed the referee or whoever for this.

"But it was just his silly decision to attack our player."