Cristiano Ronaldo Escapes World Cup Suspension, but Faces Probation for One Year | Sports
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Cristiano Ronaldo, Portugal's star player, has narrowly avoided missing next year's FIFA World Cup after FIFA handed him a one-year probationary period instead of a suspension. The 40-year-old was issued a red card during Portugal's 2-0 loss to the Republic of Ireland on November 13 for elbowing Ireland defender Dara O'Shea. The incident originally earned Ronaldo a yellow card, but after a video review, he was sent off with the first red card of his international career. The FIFA Disciplinary Committee deemed the incident worthy of a three-game ban, extending the automatic one-game ban while suspending the additional two games for one year. Ronaldo will be eligible to play in Portugal's opening two World Cup matches next year. However, if he commits another similar infringement during the probationary period, the suspended matches will be served immediately. This is in addition to any additional sanctions imposed for the new infringement. Ronaldo has played 226 games for Portugal, and this is the first time he has received a red card. He is set to play in his sixth World Cup next summer. Portugal coach Roberto Martinez defended Ronaldo, saying, "He is just a captain that has never been sent off before in 226 games. I think it was a bit harsh because he cares about the team.
