Cristiano Ronaldo’s red card for Portugal against Ireland has earned him heavy criticism from one of his country’s leading outlets.
Football’s all-time top scorer had a horror night in World Cup qualifying when everyone expected them to wrap up their spot in 2026.
A second half swing at a defender with his elbow sees the 40-year-old out of Portugal’s next match and A Bola writer Hugo Vasconcelos wasn’t happy.
He wrote in the leading outlet: “What the Portuguese captain did was regrettable.
“And I’m not just referring to the aggression, because losing your temper in a moment of frustration can, although it shouldn’t, happen.
“Ronaldo is 40 years old. At Wednesday’s press conference, he made a point of provoking opponents, the Irish national team coach, and the public.
“He was the one who created the atmosphere that he couldn’t handle.
“But the worst part was the reaction, that whole charade — from the crying, as if the Irishman who took the elbow was faking it, to the head gestures, as if he didn’t understand what was happening, to the applause from the crowd, as if it was the fault of the stands, and not himself, that he was being sent off.
“Ronaldo made a mistake. The least he could do is apologise, but what he should really do is be ashamed.
“If even Roberto Martínez pats him on the back and says “there’s no violence,” “he tries to push him away,” and “he was unlucky,” I don’t have much hope…” he finished, referring to the coaches defence of his captain.
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