Portugal boss Roberto Martinez makes feelings clear after Cristiano Ronaldo's red card in Ireland defeat

Portugal were already 2-0 down at the time, with former Tottenham star Troy Parrott bagging a brace for the home side.

And Ronaldo's dismissal meant Portugal were always going to struggle to get back into the contest, especially due to the raucous atmosphere inside the Aviva Stadium in Dublin.

Ronaldo was so angry after his red card that he went to confront Ireland boss Heimir Hallgrimsson.

And former Wigan, Everton and Swansea boss Martinez has now lept to the striker's defence, expressing a belief that the dismissal was 'harsh'.

"He's just a captain that has never been sent off before in 226 games, so I think that deserves credit," he stated.

"Today, I think it was a bit harsh, because he cares about the team. He had 60 minutes being grabbed, being pulled, being pushed.

"Obviously when he tries to get away from the defender, the action looks worse than it actually is. I don't think it’s the elbow, I think it's the full body. But from where the camera is, it looks like an elbow.

"We accept it because it is a red card. But it is for the right reasons; he cares, he was in the mood of the team and we were frustrated."

Prior to the red card, Hallgrimsson had suggested that Ronaldo was influencing the referee during the reverse fixture.

Martinez, discussing that flashpoint, added: "The only thing that leaves a taste in my mouth is that in the press conference, your coach was talking about the aspect of the referees being influenced and then a big centre-half falls on the floor, dramatically, for Cristiano.

"We need to make sure we win the next game for him.

"You have to credit Ireland. We knew what Ireland were going to do, a team very well-organised who would try to defend in a low block and not take any risks.

"We had three new players, lost three important players, so I think our start of the game was very slow."

Hallgrimsson, meanwhile, was asked what Ronaldo said to him as he trudged towards the tunnel.

The Ireland boss explained: "He complimented me for putting pressure on the refere.

"Listen, it had nothing to do with me. It was his action on the pitch that cost him a red card. Nothing to do with me, unless I got into his head."

"It was just a moment of silliness from him, I would say."

The Icelandic boss also suggested that the Dublin crowd had played a part, too, by winding him up.

"I don’t have any explanation for it, maybe it is the fans," he added.

"They make an amazing atmosphere, it probably gets to the opponents.

"There are not many places with an atmosphere like here. Maybe it shocks them. Long may that continue."

Portugal are next in action against Armenia on Sunday, with Ronaldo set to miss that match. Ireland tackle Hungary that same day, with both games to be played at 2pm.