"It was unlucky" - Roberto Martinez blasts VAR after Cristiano Ronaldo's red card in Ireland loss

Portugal coach Roberto Martinez has slammed VAR for Cristiano Ronaldo's red card in the 2-0 loss to Ireland in the FIFA World Cup qualifiers. He believes the officials saw the wrong angle in making the decision, adding that there was no violence inside the box.

Speaking to RTP after the game, Martinez said Ronaldo was unlucky to get himself sent off in the match on Thursday, November 13. He believes that the reaction from the Portugal captain was normal and not worthy of a red card and said (via Ojogo):

"Of course, we did. I think it's difficult for a player like Cristiano, who is in the box. And today he had two defenders always with physical contact. There is no violence. He tries to remove the defender and it was unlucky that the VAR consideration... The angle of the images [makes it seem] worse than what happened. It's Ronaldo's first red card in the national team, it's incredible."

Talking about the 2-0 loss, Martinez said it was an off day and nothing more. He pointed to Ronaldo's red card again and said:

"It would be very good to have 43 more games without a defeat. It is not normal to have 42 without defeats in national teams. A defeat happens. It's Ronaldo's first red card in 220 or so caps. Happens. There are aspects to work on. It is important to be self-critical. We now have a game at home and if we win we will qualify for the World Cup. It cannot be that if Portugal wins 5-0 Armenia is weak and if it loses to Ireland, Portugal is weak. We need to see the game differently."

Cristiano Ronaldo will miss the final FIFA World Cup qualifier against Armenia next week. Portugal will need a win to secure their place at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, as a loss could see them finish second in the group and thus play in the play-offs next year.

However, a draw could be enough to see them through if Hungary and Ireland play out a draw in their game on the same day.

Roberto Martinez spoke to Cristiano Ronaldo after red card

Roberto Martinez has admitted that he spoke to Cristiano Ronaldo after the red card, but was not focused on it. He was now thinking about the next qualifier and said:

"We are preparing for the next game. He won many games for the national team and will continue to win. The team's reaction was good. With ten we showed courage, now it's time to win the next game."

Cristiano Ronaldo will miss the FIFA World Cup opener if Portugal finish first in the group. A second-placed finish would see them playing in the play-offs, and Ronaldo will have to miss the first leg.

Edited by Sripad