Nov. 14 (UPI) -- Cristiano Ronaldo is at risk of being banned for at least one 2026 World Cup game after receiving the first red card of his international career.
The star forward received the red card in the 61st minute of Portugal's 2-0 loss to Ireland in a World Cup qualifier Thursday in Dublin.
Ronaldo was sent off for elbowing Ireland defender Dara O'Shea. He was initially given a yellow card before officials used the video assistant referee to review the infraction, resulting in an upgrade to the red card.
"It is just a captain that has never been sent off before in 226 games -- I think that just deserves credit -- and [Thursday], I thought it was a bit harsh because he cares about the team," Portugal coach Roberto Martinez told reporters when asked about Ronaldo.
Ronaldo now must serve a mandatory one-game suspension when Portugal host Armenia on Sunday in Porto. Portugal can secure a spot in the World Cup with a victory. They could still qualify with a loss or draw, but would need several other scenarios to play out to ensure qualification.
