Gabriel Martinelli has apologised directly to Conor Bradley after a controversial late-game clash in Arsenal’s 0–0 draw with Liverpool at the Emirates. The Arsenal winger came under heavy criticism after he pushed the Liverpool defender off the pitch and threw the ball at him while Bradley was clearly in distress with what appears to be a serious knee injury.
In a post on social media, Martinelli said he had already exchanged messages with Bradley and expressed regret over his reaction, stressing that he did not realise the Liverpool full-back was badly hurt “in the heat of the moment.” He added that he was “deeply sorry” and wished Bradley a speedy recovery.
The incident, which occurred in stoppage time, sparked angry reactions from Liverpool players on the pitch and strong condemnation from television pundits. Former Manchester United captains Roy Keane and Gary Neville both branded the behaviour “a disgrace,” pointing to Martinelli throwing the ball at Bradley and attempting to force him off the field as he lay injured. Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk said it “didn’t look great” and that everyone in his team was unhappy with what they saw.
Bradley, 22, was eventually stretchered off, later leaving the stadium on crutches with a brace on his left knee, and Liverpool manager Arne Slot admitted he “feared the worst” over the defender’s injury. Despite the outcry, Martinelli will not face further disciplinary action beyond the yellow card shown by referee Anthony Taylor, with the FA reported to be satisfied that the incident was dealt with at the time and does not meet the threshold for retrospective punishment.
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