Portugal manager Martinez says Ronaldo red card was harsh

DUBLIN -Portugal manager Roberto Martinez said Cristiano Ronaldo's red card against Ireland was harsh after the forward was sent off for the first time in an international match in their 2-0 World Cup qualifying defeat in Dublin on Thursday.

Ronaldo initially received a yellow card for lashing out with an elbow to the back of Ireland defender Dara O'Shea but the sanction was upgraded to red after a review.

It was his first sending off in 226 appearances for the national side.

"I thought it was a bit harsh because he cares about the team," Martinez told reporters. "He was almost 60 minutes in the box being grabbed, pulled, pushed and obviously 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."

Martinez also questioned Ireland manager Heimir Hallgrimsson's comments about Ronaldo "controlling the referee" in the reverse fixture in Lisbon last month, which Portugal won 1-0.  

"The only thing that leaves a bitter taste in my mouth is at the press conference yesterday, Ireland coach was talking about the aspect of the referees being influenced, and then a big center half falls on the floor so dramatically at the turn of Cristiano's body," Martinez said.

Portugal, who are assured at least a playoff spot, are two points clear of Hungary at the top of Group F with a superior goal difference. The Irish are one point further back.

Portugal host Armenia while Ireland travel to face Hungary in the final round of fixtures on Sunday.

(Reporting Karan Prashant Saxena in Bengaluru; Editing by Peter Rutherford)