Alan Shearer, the former England international, has suggested that Portugal's manager, Roberto Martinez, might find it difficult to substitute Cristiano Ronaldo, even if the player is underperforming, due to Ronaldo's considerable influence.

Shearer's remarks come after Portugal's opening group-stage draw against DR Congo, where Ronaldo, at 41 years old, appeared diminished. Despite the player not registering a shot on target, Martinez opted not to substitute him, a decision that drew criticism and led to suggestions that the manager was hesitant to remove the star.

Ronaldo's supporters reacted strongly to this criticism, with some directing abuse at his teammates' social media accounts and alleging a deliberate attempt to sideline the player. Ronaldo's sister, Katia Aveiro, was among those who expressed such sentiments on social media, sarcastically commenting on the team's perceived inability to pass the ball or launch counter-attacks.

Shearer told Betfair that a potential concern was whether Ronaldo would accept not starting or playing every minute. "Whether Roberto Martinez is allowed to have a word with him and actually bring him off. Cristiano is that powerful," Shearer stated. "If he isn't prepared to understand he can't play every minute, then it won't work."

He added, "I would start him in Portugal’s next game, but if it doesn't work, I'd be telling him he has to come off. That's what I mean though, it's whether he's allowed to be subbed because Cristiano is that powerful. It's really difficult."

Shearer acknowledged Ronaldo's past achievements but noted, "He hasn't scored for a while in a Portugal shirt and he's nowhere near his best."

Portuguese sports journalist Vitor Pinto commented that the criticism directed at Ronaldo's teammates could disrupt squad harmony. "It demonstrates the risk of a civil war within the national team," Pinto said. "There is a reaction to any criticism levelled at Cristiano Ronaldo, and that is where much of the polarisation comes from."

Pinto clarified that he did not believe there was an organized boycott against Ronaldo, but acknowledged that "Portugal did not communicate effectively with their centre-forward, nor did they employ a strategy in which the striker created space for others to break through the defence and finish."

Thierry Henry, a former Arsenal and France player, also noted moments of perceived selfishness from Ronaldo during the match, highlighting an instance where Ronaldo's play appeared to frustrate teammate Bruno Fernandes. Henry remarked on Fox News, "The team needs to score, not you need to score."

Martinez, who has been in discussions with Saudi club Al Nassr, Ronaldo's current team, about their vacant manager's position, has already announced his departure from the Portugal job following the World Cup. The decision on whether Martinez will continue to feature Ronaldo prominently in upcoming matches remains a focal point.