Ireland coach responds to Cristiano Ronaldo and Roberto Martinez suggesting his mind games led to Portugal captain’s red card

Portugal coach Roberto Martinez had suggested that Heimir Hallgrimsson's mind games led to Cristiano Ronaldo's sending off in their clash against Ireland. Hallgrimsson, however, has dismissed these claims, stating that he wants referees to have a good game.

Portugal lost 2-0 against Ireland in Dublin in the 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers on November 13. Cristiano Ronaldo was sent off in the 61st minute for being deemed to have elbowed Dara O'Shea in the back. While going off the pitch, the veteran mouthed some words towards the Ireland coach.

Hallgrimsson, notably, had accused Cristiano Ronaldo of controlling the referee when A Selecao beat Ireland 1-0 at home last month. Following their recent clash, Roberto Martinez accused the Ireland head coach of playing mind games, who responded (h/t The Sun):

“I really don’t think about it, that we are playing mind games. We were just unhappy with the referee in Portugal. We are not trying to play any mind games. I just wish all referees to have a good game.”

Notably, every team in Group F, except Ireland, have had a man sent off at least once during the 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers. Moreover, all three away sides have had at least one sending off in Dublin.

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Portugal boss Roberto Martinez opens up on Cristiano Ronaldo's sending off against Ireland

Roberto Martinez felt that Cristiano Ronaldo's sending off against Ireland was "harsh". He also spoke about Heimir Hallgrimsson speaking about referees in his pre-match conference, claiming that it left a "bitter taste in his mouth".

The Portugal head coach said (h/t BBC):

"Today, I thought it was a bit harsh because he cares about the team. He was 60 minutes or 58 minutes in the box being grabbed, being pulled, being pushed and obviously when he tries to get away from the defender. "I think the action looks worse than what it actually is, I don't think it's an elbow, I think it's a full body, but from where the camera is, it looks like an elbow. But we accept it. The only thing that leaves a bitter taste in my mouth is at the press conference yesterday, your coach was talking about the aspect of the referees being influenced, and then a big centre-half falls on the floor so dramatically at the turn of Cristiano's body," he added.

Portugal, meanwhile, sit atop Group F standings in the FIFA World Cup Qualifiers, two points above second-placed Hungary. If they beat Armenia on Sunday, they will qualify for the tournament next year.

Edited by Aditya Singh