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Ronaldo Sent Off, Faces World Cup Ban After Elbow Incident
14 Nov
Summary
- Cristiano Ronaldo sent off for elbowing Ireland defender
- Ronaldo risks 2-game ban, could miss World Cup opener
- Ireland scored 2 surprise goals to lead Portugal
On November 13, 2025, Portugal's star player Cristiano Ronaldo was sent off during a World Cup qualifying match against Ireland. The incident occurred around the hour mark at Aviva Stadium in Dublin, with Ireland holding a surprise 2-0 lead.
Ronaldo swung his right elbow into the back of Ireland defender Dara O'Shea, prompting the referee to initially issue a yellow card. However, after a video review, the card was upgraded to a red, resulting in Ronaldo's dismissal from the game.
The loss of Ronaldo is a significant blow for Portugal, as the 35-year-old now faces a potential 2-game ban. This suspension could see him miss Portugal's first match of the 2026 World Cup, should they qualify for the tournament.
Prior to Ronaldo's red card, Ireland had taken a commanding lead in the match, with striker Troy Parrott scoring twice in the first half to revive Irish hopes of World Cup qualification. The home team's surprise performance has put Portugal's World Cup aspirations in jeopardy.
