Cristiano Ronaldo has reportedly left the Portugal camp following his red card in their loss to Ireland. The Portuguese superstar was sent off during his country’s 2-0 defeat to the Republic of Ireland earlier this week. Ronaldo was shown the exit for an alleged elbow on Irish defender Dara O’Shea. Initially, he was given a yellow card, but after VAR stepped in, the referee upgraded the punishment.

Ronaldo has now received a one-match automatic ban for the red card, ruling him out of Portugal’s match against Armenia on Sunday. According to A Bola, he has now been released from international duty. The 40-year-old will now head back to Saudi Arabia in preparation for his return to action with club side Al-Nassr, who face Al-Khaleej next weekend.

Speaking after Ronaldo’s red card, Portugal manager Roberto Martinez said: “The red card is just a captain that has never been sent off before in 226 games – I think that just deserves credit – and today, 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, and then a big centre-half falls on the floor so dramatically at the turn of Cristiano’s body.”

Meanwhile, Ireland’s manager Heimir Hallgrimsson added: “He complimented me for putting pressure on the referee. It was his action on the pitch that cost him the red card. It had nothing to do with me – unless I got into his head.”

When asked if he had spoken to Ronaldo after the match, Hallgrimsson responded: “No, I think we spoke enough when he came off.

“There was nothing to speak about. This was just a moment of a little silliness from him, I would say.”

Ronaldo’s expulsion could result in him missing the beginning of Portugal’s World Cup campaign. If Portugal qualifies automatically and Ronaldo’s ban is extended to three matches, he could potentially miss their first two group games at the tournament.