Piers Morgan has blasted the “ridiculous” Cristiano Ronaldo sending off decision during Portugal’s clash with the Republic of Ireland. Ronaldo received a red card just after the hour mark as his country suffered a 2-0 defeat in Dublin during World Cup qualifying.

The Al-Nassr forward was given his marching orders for an elbow on Ireland defender Dara O’Shea while they were already two goals down at the Aviva Stadium when they went down to ten men. Swedish referee Glenn Nyberg initially brandished a yellow card; however, after reviewing the incident on a pitch-side monitor at the behest of video assistant referee Pol van Boekel, he upgraded the punishment to a red card.

It leaves the Manchester United legend facing the prospect of missing the opening stages of the 2026 World Cup. Morgan, who recently conducted an extensive interview with Ronaldo, has now opined on the 40-year-old’s dismissal.

The outspoken broadcaster and presenter delivered a damning assessment, posting on X: “Ridiculous that Ronaldo was sent off for resisting someone pulling his shirt back.” Morgan subsequently posted footage of Lionel Messi engaged in a confrontation with an opposing player, commenting: “When Messi did exactly the same recently, nothing was done.”

Ireland boss Heimir Hallgrimsson spoke about Ronaldo’s dismissal afterwards, including what the former United forward said to him following the sending-off. “He [Ronaldo] complimented me for putting pressure on the referee,” Hallgrimsson revealed, “but listen, it had nothing to do with me; it was his action on the pitch that cost him a red card. It had nothing to do with me, unless I got into his head.”

Ronaldo’s dismissal means the striker could miss the start of next summer’s World Cup in Canada, Mexico and the United States. Portugal have just one remaining qualifier against Armenia, and a suspension exceeding one match would rule Ronaldo out of the tournament’s initial fixtures across the Atlantic.

The outcome of Portugal’s upcoming match against Armenia will determine whether Ronaldo sits out the World Cup’s opening game. Should Portugal defeat Armenia, they would secure automatic qualification for next summer’s draw.

However, a draw or loss might force Roberto Martinez’s squad into a two-legged play-off to reach the tournament. Ronaldo’s ban duration remains unconfirmed, but such red cards for what is deemed violent conduct typically result in a three-match suspension.