Roberto Martinez has defended Cristiano Ronaldo after the Portugal captain as sent off during the nation’s 2-0 defeat to the Republic of Ireland.
Ronaldo was sent off just after the hour, with Portugal trailing 2-0 at Aviva Stadium, courtesy of Troy Parrott’s double for the home side. The 39-year-old was dismissed for appearing to elbow Dara O’Shea in the penalty box as the two jostled for position.
Ronaldo’s red card was the first of his career with Portugal, on his 226th appearance for the national team. Defeat, meanwhile, meant Portugal missed the chance to book their place at next summer’s World Cup.
Despite Ronaldo’s red-mist, Portugal boss Martinez launched a defence of the five-time Ballon d’Or winner. He insisted the dismissal was ‘a bit harsh’ and looked worse than it was.
“The red card is just a captain that has never been sent off before in 226 games – I think that just deserves credit – and today, I thought it was a bit harsh because he cares about the team,” said Martinez.
“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.”
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