Cristiano Ronaldo’s name is synonymous with records. His scoring prowess, agility, and charisma have made him an icon both on and off the pitch. In a recent EURO Qualifier match against Slovakia in Group J, however, Ronaldo was at the center of a contentious incident, one that could have had far-reaching consequences.

Ronaldo miraculously escaped getting sent off after clashing dangerously with his former teammate. Despite avoiding a red card, Ronaldo will still sit out Portugal’s next qualifier match against his ‘favorite’ opponents. Let’s delve into the intriguing details of this incident and its repercussions for the Portuguese superstar.

Cristiano Ronaldo survives a straight red after a dangerous tackle

Cristiano Ronaldo was in action for Portugal on Friday, as they travelled to Bratislava to face Slovakia in the race to qualify for next year’s Euro Championships. Manchester United star midfielder Bruno Fernandes broke the deadlock in the final minutes of the first half and handed a 1-0 lead to Portugal. But, the moment of the match occurred in the second half, when after an hour’s mark, Ronaldo scuffed a huge opportunity to make it two for Portugal.

The Portuguese talisman failed to convert the simplest of chances from yards out to double his side’s lead, but when he lunged for a loose ball inside the penalty area, his studs accidentally made contact with the face of Slovakian goalkeeper and his ex-Manchester United teammate Martin Dubravka.

The initial reaction from many quarters was unanimous – this looked like a straight red card offense. A high boot to an opponent’s face is typically met with immediate expulsion from the game.

The referee, however, opted for a yellow card, much to the relief of Ronaldo and the disbelief of Slovakia’s team and supporters. VAR reviewed the incident, and it seemed though CR7’s fate hung in balance. Yet, upon closer inspection, Ronaldo’s argument that his foot slid from Dubravka’s chest to his face gained traction. With a yellow card and a fervent apology to his former teammate, Cristiano Ronaldo was allowed to stay on the pitch, which left many fans and pundits in dismay. The aftershock of this incident has affected Portugal and Ronaldo in a conspicuous manner.

READ MORE: Hours Before Facing Slovakia, Cristiano Ronaldo Shockingly Ditches His Own Nation, as He Predicts Saudi Pro League’s Rise

Ronaldo is facing a suspension now and will be absent from Portugal’s lineup in their upcoming match against his favorite ‘victim.’

Ronaldo’s unexpected suspension would be a blow to Portugal

Despite escaping the red card for his dangerous tackle against Dubravka, Ronaldo will be suspended for Portugal’s clash against Luxembourg on September 11, Monday. Having three yellow cards under his name, the Al Nassr talisman will be sitting out his next match of the EURO Qualifying campaign. Now, here’s where the plot thickens: Luxembourg is a team that Cristiano Ronaldo has historically relished facing.

It is the side against whom he has scored a total of 11 goals, which is the most against a single side, in his international career. His absence from this encounter, due to suspension, leaves fans pondering what could have been and adds a layer of intrigue to the match.

Although Portugal is sitting at the top of Group J with yet to lose a match since the start of the campaign, Ronaldo’s absence will be a blow to them. Roberto Martinez’s side have won all their fixtures, scoring a total of 15 goals and conceding zero. Slovakia sits second in the table, while Luxembourg is in third place. Portugal will look to continue their perfect international form next week on Monday when they host Luxembourg at the Estadio Algarve.

WATCH THIS STORY: Meet the legendary tennis player who is 3X richer than Cristiano Ronaldo