FORMER LIVERPOOL GOALKEEPER EMBROILED IN HEATED SPAT WITH CRISTIANO RONALDO
Cristiano Ronaldo was dragged into a spicy conflict with a former Liverpool goalkeeper on international duty on Saturday.
Portugal ran out 1-0 winners against Ireland thanks to a 91st-minute header from Ruben Neves, who unveiled an honorary tattoo in tribute to late team-mate Diogo Jota.
But it was a frustrating night for Ronaldo as he locked horns with Ireland goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher.
Kelleher, 26, saved a 76th-minute penalty with an acrobatic leg to deny the forward a step closer to his target of 1,000 career goals - then celebrated wildly.
And footage from the stands shows tension between the pair earlier in the game, with Ronaldo trying to stop Kelleher time-wasting by placing the ball down for a goal kick and clapping in his face and gesturing for him to speed up.
Kelleher has a nonchalant attitude and gives the 40-year-old a sarcastic thumbs-up before taking his time over the kick.
Ronaldo appears to protest at the referee but the Brentford stopper was in no mood to give him any advantage.
Ultimately Portugal had the last laugh, though, as they won and extended their lead at the top of World Cup qualifying Group F, leaving Ireland bottom.
Roberto Martinez's side have a perfect record so far with three wins from three while Ireland have just a point after three games.
They only have three matches left and need to at least catch second-placed Hungary, who are three points ahead, to qualify for the play-offs.
More to follow.
Read more- How did Scotland’s heroic goalkeeping bring Portugal's attacker Cristiano Ronaldo to his knees at Hampden?
- What dramatic turn of events unfolded for Ronaldo in Portugal's exhilarating extra-time battle against Spain before their nail-biting shootout win?
- Can Ronaldo bounce back from his penalty woes to guide Portugal to Nations League glory, or has time finally caught up with him?
- How did Cristiano Ronaldo ignite fervent Portuguese celebrations with his stunning 901st career goal in a thrilling victory over Scotland?
- How did Cristiano Ronaldo's dramatic penalty shootout leave Spain in heartbreak and secure Portugal's Nations League glory?
