"Asked me if I was happy about that" - Ireland coach reveals what Cristiano Ronaldo told him in the aftermath of his red card for Portugal

Ireland manager Heimir Hallgrimsson has revealed what legendary forward Cristiano Ronaldo said to him after receiving a red card in Portugal's 2-0 defeat to his side. The Icelandic tactician claimed that the Selecao das Quinas' captain asked him if he was 'happy' with the decision made by the referee.

A win for Portugal on the night would have seen them secure their qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. However, a first-half brace from forward Troy Parrott (17', 45') gave the Irish a surprise 2-0 lead heading into the break.

While there was sufficient time for Roberto Martinez's side to mount a comeback, an inexplicable loss of composure from Ronaldo threw their gameplan out of the window. In the 61st minute, the 40-year-old, in a fit of frustration, elbowed Ireland defender Dara O'Shea.

Referee Glenn Nyberg initially brandished a yellow card for the foul; after intervention from the video assistant referee (VAR), however, Ronaldo was given his marching orders. Right after being sent off, he tried to confront Hallgrimsson in the Ireland dugout and had to be held back by officials and members of his squad.

After the game, Hallgrimsson revealed what the Al-Nassr attacker said to him during the confrontation. The 58-year-old said (via Al Nassr Zone on X):

"He just told me that I had put pressure on the referee in yesterday's press conference. And he asked me if I was happy about that. Obviously, I'm happy that Portugal lost their best player. But it had nothing to do with me, it was his own behavior."

In spite of the loss, Portugal are still in pole position to qualify for the 2026 World Cup. A win in their upcoming fixture against Armenia on Sunday (November 16) will secure their spot at the headline event next summer.

Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo aims crying gesture at Ireland fans, receives same gesture from them after his red card

Portugal forward Cristiano Ronaldo was seen making a crying gesture at Ireland fans after committing a foul on Dara O'Shea.

In the 61st minute of the game between the two nations, the 40-year-old elbowed opposition defender Dara O'Shea. At first, referee Glenn Nyberg gave him a yellow card for the action; however, he was soon advised to consult with the video assistant referee (VAR).

While the VAR check was ongoing, Ronaldo was seen making a 'crybaby' gesture towards the Irish fans inside the Aviva Stadium in Dublin. Just moments after the gesture, his yellow card was rescinded and he was given his marching orders.

The home fans were then seen making the same crying gesture at him as he walked off the field. In response, he sarcastically applauded the supporters, and even tried to confront Ireland coach Heimir Hallgrimsson on the sidelines.

The red card will affect Ronaldo's participation at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, should Portugal secure direct qualification to the tournament. If he is handed the maximum suspension (i.e. three games), he could miss his nation's first two games of the competition next summer.

Edited by Aaryan Nagraj