Cristiano Ronaldo tells opposition fans to boo him after Ireland coach accuses him of ‘controlling the referee’

Cristiano Ronaldo was blamed for controlling officials before Portugal’s match against Ireland, who need to produce a result to stay alive in WC qualification.

Cristiano Ronaldo continues to be the central figure in the Portugal team, as they head to the 2026 FIFA World Cup with hopes of getting the best player in their nation’s history that elusive World Cup trophy. However, it won’t be easy for Ronaldo and his teammates despite controlling their qualification group, as they line up for a series of tough challenges.
Cristiano Ronaldo gestures to fans as he celebrates a goal for Portugal.(REUTERS)

Heading to Dublin’s Aviva Stadium to face off against Ireland, Portugal will expect a tight match after a 1-0 win in the reverse fixture. Moreover, a feisty and aggressive crowd will be expected as Ireland try to keep their hopes of qualification alive. Ronaldo ahead of the match predicted this atmosphere, and was up for the challenge.

“The stadium will boo me, I’m used to it, I certainly hope they do — maybe it will take the pressure off other players,” said Ronaldo, who will have a star cast of players such as Bruno Fernandes, Rafael Leao, and Vitinha for support.

Ronaldo admitted he was a fan of the passion Ireland’s fans will bring for the team, and promised he would be a ‘good boy’. His comments come after Irish coach Heimir Hallgrimsson called the Portuguese legend out for ‘controlling’ the stadium and referees when the two teams met in Lisbon earlier this year