PIERS MORGAN has defended Cristiano Ronaldo after his sending off for Portugal by questioning why Lionel Messi was not sent off for a similar offence.
Ronaldo, 40, was dismissed in the 61st minute of Portugal’s 2-0 loss to Republic of Ireland, which saw ex-Spurs man Troy Parrott net a brace.
The Manchester United legend had his shirt pulled by Dara O’Shea before turning around and trying to shrug him off.
In the process, he appeared to throw an elbow and O’Shea went to ground, before the referee gave him his marching orders.
Ronaldo suffered his first ever red card for Portugal after picking up 226 caps.
Morgan, who shares a close relationship with the legendary forward and just interviewed him at length this week, led the protests over the decision on X.
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He wrote: “Ridiculous that Ronaldo was sent off for resisting someone pulling his shirt back.”
Morgan then shared a video of Messi tussling with an opponent in the MLS before appearing to throw his arms back at him.
He added: “When Messi did exactly the same recently, nothing was done.”
The broadcaster then dug out a video from 2021 when O’Shea previously faced Ronaldo, who appeared to hit out at the player.
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Morgan said: “Well well well.. it seems Dara O’Shea has form for deliberately provoking Ronaldo in World Cup Qualifiers, then diving like an Olympic swimmer to try to get him sent off.”
Ronaldo’s red card divided fans but many criticised Morgan for comparing it to Messi.
One said: “An incident happening to Ronaldo should not make you bring Messi to the scenario. Messi was not needed in this convo at all.”
Another added that Messi’s incident “was nothing more than a physicality tussle between two players wanting to get the ball first”.
And a third wrote: “You don’t know the difference between Ronaldo’s elbow in the middle of the spine and the slight push by Messi.”
Morgan and Ronaldo’s close relationship continued with another sit down this week as they discussed how the 2026 World Cup will be his final major international tournament.
They also chatted about the fortunes of his old club Manchester United – three years after he told the TV presenter the Red Devils had betrayed him.
Ronaldo said: “Manchester United, right now, they don’t have a structure. I hope that changes in the future, because the potential of the club is amazing, it’s one of the most important clubs of the century.
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“They’re not on a good path. They need to change and it’s not only about the coach and players…”
On manager Ruben Amorim, he added: “He’s doing his best. What are you going to do? Miracles? Miracles are impossible.”
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