Rival Manager Delivers Brutal Taunt to Cristiano Ronaldo Following Shocking Historic Red Card
Ireland's head coach Heimir Hallgrímsson has playfully suggested he might have "gotten under the skin" of Portugal striker Cristiano Ronaldo following their sideline confrontation after the 40-year-old's dismissal.
Prior to the World Cup qualifying match, Ronaldo criticized Hallgrímsson for psychological tactics after the Ireland manager previously claimed that Ronaldo had "influenced the referee" during their last encounter. Ronaldo responded sarcastically at his pre-match media briefing, stating he would "attempt to behave well."
Sixty minutes into Thursday's shocking 2–0 loss, Ronaldo's vow evaporated when a VAR review determined he had struck Dara O'Shea with his elbow while jostling for position—the offense resulted in his ejection.
Ronaldo's exit was far from subdued, applauding the Irish supporters and mockingly wiping away tears as he approached the sideline, where he exchanged heated words with Hallgrímsson and Ireland's technical staff.
When asked about the confrontation, Hallgrímsson chuckled: "He praised me for applying pressure on the referee. It was his behavior on the field that led to his dismissal. It had nothing to do with me—unless I managed to get under his skin."
Hallgrímsson also revealed he hadn't communicated with Ronaldo following the incident, adding: "This was simply a moment of minor foolishness from him, in my opinion."
Roberto Martínez: 'Severe' Dismissal Creates 'Sour Feeling'
For Ronaldo, this marked his inaugural red card throughout his distinguished international tenure, which has now spanned 226 matches for Portugal.
The dismissal will result in at least a one-match ban, meaning Ronaldo's participation in Portugal's quest to secure qualification for next summer's World Cup, which he has already declared will be his final one, has concluded without resolution.
Ronaldo must now observe from the bench as Portugal faces Armenia, understanding that only victory will suffice to secure their tournament berth. Any other result could force Portugal into playoff contention.
"The dismissal involves a captain who has never received a red card in 226 matches," Portugal manager Roberto Martínez commented. "I believe that alone deserves recognition, and today, I felt it was somewhat severe because he cares deeply about the squad.
"He spent 60 minutes or 58 minutes in the penalty area being grabbed, pulled, and shoved, and clearly when he attempts to break free from the defender... I think the incident appears worse than it actually was. I don't believe it's an elbow strike, I think it's a full-body movement, but from the camera angle, it resembles an elbow. However, we accept the decision.
"The only aspect that creates a sour feeling for me is during the press conference, your manager discussed referees being swayed, and then a large center-back collapses so theatrically from Cristiano's body turn."