Fresh off his shocking straight-red elbow on Ireland's Dara O'Shea in Thursday's 2-2 World Cup qualifier draw at Dublin's Aviva Stadium, Cristiano Ronaldo's facing a brutal two-match suspension for violent conduct. BBC's referee expert Dale Johnson breaks it down: The FIFA disciplinary panel is likely to hit him with the ban, sidelining the 40-year-old Portugal captain for their final qualifier (against whoever draws the short straw next) and—if Portugal seals qualification, which they're favorites to— the curtain-raiser of the 2026 World Cup in June.
This is CR7's first-ever Portugal red after 226 caps of ice-cool discipline, turning a frustrating night (he'd scored earlier but saw his side drop points) into potential legacy drama. Ronaldo's already confirmed 2026 as his swan song tournament—now it might start from the stands, sparking X meltdowns and memes about the GOAT's "farewell flop." Appeal window's tight, but precedents (like his past club bans) suggest it's a long shot. Portugal's depth—Fernandes, Leão, Félix—can cope short-term, but missing El Capitano's magic in a group-stage thriller? Oof.
Gut-wrencher for fans: Does this dent his aura, or fuel a redemption arc? Your call—ban deserved, or harsh on a legend?
