Perhaps unsurprisingly, Portugal boss Roberto Martinez held a different opinion of the incident, and having defended his captain, took a swipe at Hallgrimsson for speaking about the referee in the build-up.
“The 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,” said Martinez.
“He 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 defender.
“I think the action looks worse than what it actually is, I don’t think it’s an elbow, I think it’s a full body, but from where the camera is, it looks like an elbow. But we accept it.
“The only thing that leaves a bitter taste in my mouth is at the press conference yesterday, your coach was talking about the aspect of the referees being influenced, and then a big centre-half falls on the floor so dramatically at the turn of Cristiano’s body.”
What happens to Ronaldo?
Ronaldo could potentially miss the start of Portugal’s World Cup campaign if they qualify.
While he is definitely suspended for Sunday’s final qualifier against Armenia, he could receive a three-match ban for violent conduct.
In Fifa’s disciplinary code, chapter two, Article 14(i) states: “Players and officials shall be suspended for misconduct as specified below… at least three matches or an appropriate period of time for assault, including elbowing, punching, kicking, biting, spitting or hitting an opponent or a person other than a match official”.
If Ronaldo is hit with a three-match ban and Portugal qualify automatically, he will miss their first two group games in North America next summer.
However, if Portugal drop into the play-offs, Ronaldo will serve his suspension during those games.
His fate will be decided by a disciplinary committee, but whether or not his potential World Cup swansong is impacted, it was a hugely dramatic return to Dublin for the superstar.