Portugal Banks on Three Key Factors to Keep Cristiano Ronaldo in World Cup Action
Portugal's football association has allegedly prepared a three-part defense strategy as they seek to reduce Cristiano Ronaldo's international suspension to a single match.
Ronaldo received his maiden red card in international football during last Thursday's clash with the Republic of Ireland. Following an initial yellow card for an elbow contact with Dara O'Shea, Portugal's skipper saw the decision escalated to a dismissal by referee Glenn Nyberg after VAR review.
The suspension for violent behavior usually spans three games across all competitive international matches. After missing Sunday's emphatic victory over Armenia that secured his country's World Cup berth, Ronaldo faces the prospect of being absent for the tournament's opening two group encounters.
Head coach Roberto Martínez quickly defended his captain, while Portugal's governing body has constructed an elaborate case in their determined effort to clear their star player, according to A BOLA.
1. Antagonistic Dublin Atmosphere
The initial component of Portugal's FA argument centers on the "antagonistic atmosphere" fostered by the Dublin supporters and Ireland manager Heimir Hallgrímsson.
The crowd-related aspect was weakened before kickoff when Ronaldo actively encouraged the home fans to jeer him. "I'm accustomed to it," he remarked.
Hallgrímsson's role presents more nuance.
The Icelandic manager claimed prior to the game that Ronaldo had "influenced the referee" during their previous encounter and witnessed the Portuguese star approaching him following his dismissal.
"He praised me for pressuring the referee," Hallgrímsson chuckled. "His conduct on the field earned him the red card. It wasn't my doing—unless I affected his mindset." This forms the basis of Ronaldo's nation's argument.
2. Reaction Rather Than Intent
Right after Nyberg initially whistled for the infringement, Ronaldo proclaimed his innocence, indicating he had been pushed first before turning to deliver an elbow toward O'Shea's back.
This represents another element in Portugal's FA submission, characterizing Ronaldo's behavior as "an expression of exasperation."
3. First-Time Offense
This is presented as their strongest argument. Apparently, the circumstance that this marked Ronaldo's inaugural red card during his twenty-year international tenure, covering 226 appearances, should warrant a reduced penalty.
While it may have been Ronaldo's first dismissal for Portugal, it represents his 13th red card throughout his professional career for club and country, with eight being direct red cards.