Ronaldo red 'nothing to do with me': Ireland coach

Ireland manager Heimir Hallgrimsson stated that Cristiano Ronaldo was mistaken in holding him responsible for the red card received during Portugal's loss in a World Cup qualifier on Thursday.

The footballer with five Ballon d'Or awards had a heated exchange with Hallgrimsson after his dismissal in Portugal's 2-0 setback in Dublin.

Prior to the match Ronaldo claimed the Ireland manager had sought to sway the referee by advising officials against being swayed by the prominent forward.

As his side was down by two goals in the latter period the 40-year-old grew irritated and struck Dara O'Shea in the back while the Irish defender was close to him inside the penalty area.

"He credited me with influencing the referee but honestly it was not my doing it stemmed from his conduct on the field that led to the sending off" Hallgrimsson explained to journalists.

"It was not about me unless I managed to unsettle him mentally."

He further remarked: "I see it as a brief lapse in judgement for him."

Ronaldo might sit out the opening games of the World Cup should Portugal advance based on the length of his suspension.

Following his initial red card for the national team Ronaldo will miss the upcoming fixture against Armenia on Sunday as Portugal seeks to confirm qualification for the tournament next summer.

"It is tough for a talent like Cristiano to operate in the box" Portugal manager Roberto Martinez commented.

"He faced ongoing challenges from the defenders who were holding him there was no intent to harm he just attempted to create space."