Republic of Ireland manager Heimir Hallgrimsson offered a cool account of a chaotic night in Dublin after Cristiano Ronaldo’s dismissal overshadowed Portugal’s 2–0 World Cup qualifying defeat, revealing the pointed remark the forward directed at him as he left the pitch.
Ronaldo’s red card arrived on the hour when he tangled with Dara O’Shea and was caught on replay driving an elbow into the defender’s back.
O’Shea hit the turf, the referee moved swiftly, and one of the most decorated players in the sport found himself trudging off with half an hour still to play.
Portugal were already staring at a two-goal deficit and the sending off extinguished what little hope remained of a late revival.
The 40-year-old striker responded with a flash of irritation.
As Ireland fans jeered, he offered a sharp thumbs up in the direction of one supporter.
Moments later he made for the Irish technical area, confronting Hallgrimsson and members of his staff before finally making his way down the tunnel.
Cristiano Ronaldo rounded on Ireland boss Heimir Hallgrimsson following his red card on Thursday night
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It was an exit that stirred more noise in the Aviva Stadium than anything Portugal produced on the night.
Ronaldo is now set for a two-match suspension, with one of those games expected to fall at the 2026 World Cup should Portugal secure qualification.
They remain two points clear of Hungary in Group F and three clear of Ireland.
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Cristiano Ronaldo was furious after his red card for Portugal against Ireland
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Hungary will host Ireland on the final matchday while Portugal, already guaranteed at least a play off place, face Armenia.
Hallgrimsson, speaking after the match, gave a measured response when asked to explain the exchange with the Al Nassr forward.
“Yeah, he complimented me with putting pressure on the referee,” he said.
“But listen, it had nothing to do with me. It was his action on the pitch that cost him a red card. It had nothing to do with me. Unless I got in his head.”
The Icelandic coach suggested the conversation quickly ran its course.
“I think we spoke enough when he went off. There is nothing to speak about. This was just a moment of silliness from him, I would say,” he added.
Ireland ran out 2-0 winners against Portugal with Troy Parrott scoring twice
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The timing of the incident will not be lost on those who noted Hallgrimsson’s comments earlier in the week.
Before Thursday’s fixture he had reflected on the reverse meeting between the sides in Portugal, which Roberto Martinez’s men won 1–0, and questioned the influence Ronaldo held that night.
“He was not only controlling the referee, he was controlling the whole stadium,” Hallgrimsson said.
“All the fans supported his actions. The referee just kind of played along. I hope it will be the vice versa when we are in the Aviva.”
He had been clear on where the authority should lie.
“Obviously, a player should not be refereeing. It should be the officials doing the refereeing," he'd added.
“I hope that the people here will see that and recognise that if they want to affect the game, they should not at least affect the refereeing.”