Cristiano Ronaldo, 40, had never been sent off in a senior national team match before, but he picked up his 14th career red card vs. Ireland.

Portugal fell 2-0 to Ireland and missed the chance to secure their spot in the 2026 FIFA World Cup. They were stunned by two first-half goals from Troy Parrott and could not recover from the blow. On top of that, Cristiano Ronaldo was sent off following a VAR review.

Portugal manager Roberto Martinez said Cristiano Ronaldo's red card against Ireland was harsh after the forward was sent off for the first time in an international match in their 2-0 World Cup qualifying defeat in Dublin on Thursday.

Preview of Ireland vs Portugal World Cup Qualifier: team news, predicted lineups, and where to watch. Portugal leads Group F as Ireland faces key absences.

Initially, Ronaldo only saw a yellow card, but then referee Glenn Nyberg decided on a dismissal after viewing the video footage. The TV images showed Portugal's superstar striking backward with his elbow, hitting opponent Scales on the back.

Tens of thousands of people have taken to the streets of Lisbon to protest labor reforms proposed by Portuguese Prime Minister Luis Montenegro's government.

Cristiano Ronaldo was brutally mocked by the Republic of Ireland supporters after being sent off as Portugal lost 2-0 on Thursday night. Troy Parrott scored twice as The Boys in G

The AZ forward struck twice before the break as Ireland moved three points behind Group F leaders Portugal, and one behind second-placed Hungary, ahead of their final showdown on Sunday