London, Nov 25, (PA Media/GNA) – Cristiano Ronaldo is set to be available for the start of Portugalâs World Cup campaign, despite his red card against Ireland.
A FIFA disciplinary committee has imposed a three-match ban, but the final two games are suspended for one year provided there is no similar infringement during the probation period.
He has already served the one-match suspension, in Portugalâs final qualifier against Armenia.
Ronaldo was shown a red card after appearing to swing an elbow at Ireland defender Dara OâShea, during a World Cup qualifier earlier this month.
Portugal coach Roberto Martinez defended his skipper after the match, saying: âThe 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.
âHe 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 defenderâŚ
âI think the action looks worse than what it actually is, I donât think itâs
an elbow, I think itâs a full body, but from where the camera is, it looks like an elbow. But we accept it.â
FIFAâs disciplinary code states violent conduct should lead to a suspension of at least three matches, as should any offence of assault, including âelbowing, punching, kicking, biting, spitting at or hitting an opponentâ.
Ronaldo, 40, confirmed earlier this month that next yearâs World Cup would âdefinitelyââ be his last.
The suspension is subject to an appeal to the FIFA appeal committee.
GNA