Portugal boss Roberto Martinez said: “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.
“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.”
Diogo Dalot plays in shock Portugal loss to Republic of Ireland
Elsewhere, United defender Diogo Dalot played the full game as Portugal suffered a shock loss to the Republic of Ireland in Dublin. Troy Parrott scored twice in the second half to secure a famous 2-0 win for the hosts.
Victory would have sealed Portugal’s place at next summer’s World Cup but they now must not slip up against Armenia on Sunday to ensure they are not caught by Hungary and forced to enter a play-off.




