Slap too much and out: Pepe was expelled in Portugal vs. Ireland | VIDEO

Pepe is a defender who always plays to the limit and this has taken its toll many times. On Thursday night in Dublin, the Portuguese was sent off in the duel against Ireland, in the framework of the ninth day of Group A of the UEFA Qualifiers towards Qatar 2022.

After receiving a yellow card at minute 72, the sturdy defender was reprimanded again at 81, for a blow to attacker Callum Robinson, who fell to the ground and complained of pain. The punishment was none other than a red card, something that caused the anger of the Porto athlete. Cristiano Ronaldo also intervened, but the referee did not back down.

Pepe, due to the expulsion, will miss the transcendental commitment that the Portuguese team will face this Sunday, November 14, against Serbia, a direct rival in their fight to access the World Cup next year.

There were no goals in Dublin

Portugal did not go from a draw to zero this Thursday against Ireland in a qualifying match for the World Cup-2022, but that point allows them to lead Group A by goal difference compared to Serbia, which they will receive on the last date in a duel whose winner will be in Qatar.

The two nations have 17 points, but with a difference of +12 to +8 for the Serbs, Fernando Santos’ team will be served with a draw to seal their ticket to Qatar.

In case of defeat, the Portuguese team led by Cristiano Ronaldo would access the playoffs.