Martinez attributes Ronaldo's reaction to provocation from opposition players. Martinez said, "I saw that Cristiano's reaction was a reaction to provocation. And it was a provocation that started at the beginning of the game, every time Cristiano was in the box with their defenders...'

The five-time Ballon d’Or winner was absent for Portugal’s 9–0 victory over Luxembourg in September 2023 and his reckless red card against Ireland last time out ensured he was sidelined for Sunday’s decisive qualifier.

Cristiano Ronaldo has sent a message of support to his Portugal team-mates ahead of their meeting with Armenia. The Selecao currently top Group F ahead of the final round of World Cup qualification games but defeat to Ireland on Thursday means they need to win to book their trip stateside next summer.

Cristiano Ronaldo is at serious risk of being banned for at least the first game of the 2026 World Cup after receiving a first red card with Portugal.

Ronaldo lost his cool as Portugal tried to mount a comeback against Ireland on Thursday. The five-time Ballon d’Or winner let frustration get the better of him and elbowed a defender in the back, earning a red card that forced Portugal to play the final 30 minutes of the match with 10 men.

With a lot of discourse currently around Ronaldo and Portugal, we’ve compared the national team results with and without him since the 2022 World Cup. Since then, Portugal have played a total of 36 matches. Of those, CR7 has featured in 30 and has missed six.

ESPN takes a look at all the ramifications of Ronaldo's brain-fade in Dublin and just how costly it could prove to be.