PORTUGAL are reportedly set to appeal Cristiano Ronaldo’s World Cup ban following his red card against the Republic of Ireland.
The Al-Nassr striker was given his marching orders after lashing out at Dara O’Shea in the World Cup qualifier on Thursday.
Ronaldo, 40, was initially shown a yellow card by referee Glenn Nyberg before VAR suggested the official take another look.
After seeing the replays, Nyberg could see that the former Manchester United star had thrown an elbow into the back of the Irish defender.
He made the decision to send off Ronaldo, which could have major ramifications for Portugal‘s World Cup hopes.
Due to Ronaldo being sent off for violent conduct, his suspension could rule him out for up to two of the group games at the tournament next summer.
Reports in Portugal are claiming that the nation’s football federation is preparing a complaint to Fifa to make sure Ronaldo is only banned for one game.
This would mean he would serve the minimum penalty, and the suspension would be served in the game against Armenia.
As a result, Ronaldo would go into the World Cup with a clean slate and be able to play in the opening game.
The FPF president Pedro Proenca is involved in the process in response to Fifa’s disciplinary proceedings.
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The Disciplinary Committee are expected to make their decision over Ronaldo’s ban at the end of the current international break.
The FPF will present its arguments and defence of Ronaldo which is based on three items.
One is the hostile environment that was created in Dublin for the match along with the words from Ireland boss Heimir Hallgrímsson.
The Icelandic manager had alleged that Ronaldo had dominated the referee in the previous meeting between the teams.
It is also suggested that Ronaldo was grabbed first by O’Shea which led to his reaction.
The final point is a lack of precedent as Ronaldo had never been sent off while representing Portugal in any of his previous 225 caps.
Ireland won the game 2-0 thanks to a brace from former Tottenham Hotspur youngster Troy Parrott.
Portugal manager Roberto Martinez believes that the incident looked “worse” than it was and thinks the sending off was harsh.
He said: “The red card is just a captain that has never been sent off before in 226 games – I think that just deserves credit.
“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.
“Then a big centre-half falls on the floor so dramatically at the turn of Cristiano’s body.”
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The World Cup in the US next summer would be Ronaldo’s SIXTH in his glittering career.
He has played 22 times in World Cup games and scored eight goals.
