Portugal national team coach comments on Cristiano Ronaldo’s sending-off

The head coach of Portugal, Roberto Martínez, shared his thoughts on Cristiano Ronaldo’s straight red card in the 2026 World Cup qualifier match against Ireland (0:2).

Cristiano Ronaldo, Getty Images

«It’s difficult for a player like Cristiano, who is in the penalty area. He was constantly in contact with the defenders and was being grabbed. There was no rough play, he was trying to push the opponent away. He was unlucky. I think the angle of the photos makes the situation look worse than what actually happened,» quoted Martinez in the Portuguese edition of Record.