BREAKING NEWS: FIFA hands Two Arsenal players straight Three match suspension for Incident that occur during Liverpool clash yesterday – announcement made this morning
Gabriel Martinelli has issued an apology to Conor Bradley after being widely criticised for shoving the injured Liverpool player off the pitch.
The Arsenal forward sparked a melee with his behaviour in the dying moments of the 0-0 draw at the Emirates on Thursday night.
Conor Bradley of Liverpool leaves the pitch on a stretcher during the Premier League match between Arsenal and Liverpool at Emirates Stadium on January 08, 2026 in London, England.
Bradley was stretchered off during the closing stages at the Emirates StadiumCredit: Getty
Bradley had gone down close to the touchline as he made a clearance in the last minute of stoppage time – with the title-chasing Gunners pushing for a winner.
As the Liverpool medical team ran on, Martinelli attempted to shove Bradley off the pitch so the match could continue.
His antics drew an immediate reaction from the visitors, who were clearly furious with the Arsenal forward.
Ibrahima Konate was among those incensed by the Brazilian, who also dropped the ball on Bradley.
Once tempers were cooled, Bradley was stretchered off and replaced by Joe Gomez.
Meanwhile, Martinelli was shown a yellow card by referee Anthony Taylor, with Konate also cautioned for his reaction.
Martinelli says sorry
After Bradley left the stadium on crutches with a supportive brace on his left knee, Martinelli apologised on his Instagram story.
He said: “Conor and I have messaged and I have already apologised to him.
“I really didn’t understand he was seriously injured in the heat of the moment.
“I want to say I’m deeply sorry for reacting.
“Sending Conor all my best again for a quick recovery.”
Furious reaction
Gary Neville claimed Martinelli should have been sent off and demanded his apology in the immediate aftermath.
Speaking on Sky Sports’ coverage, he exclaimed: “You can’t push him off the pitch! You cannot do that. That is so poor. I think an apology is needed.
“Bradley is being stretchered off. I’m fuming with Martinelli to be honest. Disgraceful.”
The former Manchester United defender even went as far as labelling Martinelli an ‘idiot’ for pushing the stricken Bradley.
Ex-teammate Roy Keane was among those disappointed with Martinelli’s behaviour.
Conor Bradley stretchered off at Arsenal
Bradley has endured a number of injury setbacks at LiverpoolCredit: AFP
Gabriel Martinelli shown yellow card against Liverpool
The Liverpool players and Neville were furious with Martinelli for his shove on the injured BradleyCredit: Getty
Speaking after the match, Keane said: “I didn’t like it at all… I had it when someone was stood over me.
“I think that behaviour from Martinelli was a disgrace, hopefully he’ll apologise for it.”
He continued: “You don’t know the injury the player’s got and you try to push him off the pitch!”
Meanwhile, Neville remained angry over what he had seen, later admitting: “I’m actually fuming with Martinelli.
“Honestly, I don’t know how the Liverpool players didn’t go over there and whack him, to be honest with you and take a red card. Absolutely disgraceful, that.”
‘Classless’
Jason Cundy echoed the thoughts of Neville and Keane as he slammed Martinelli for his ‘classless’ act.
Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai of Liverpool confront Gabriel Martinelli of Arsenal after he pushes Conor Bradley of Liverpool during the Premier League match between Arsenal and Liverpool at Emirates Stadium on January 8, 2026 in London, England.
Martinelli was booked following the incident, having also dropped the ball on BradleyCredit: Getty
The talkSPORT co-host said on The Sports Bar immediately after the game: “I thought it was a disgrace from Martinelli. Honestly, that is so unnecessary.
“I know what he’s thinking. He thinks Bradley is wasting time. It’s a red card, by the way. It’s two yellows.
“He throws the ball at him and then he tries to manhandle him off the pitch. The boy’s career could be in the balance.
“Absolutely disgusting. Disgusting from Martinelli. Classless, absolutely classless.
“And the Liverpool players, I saw Konate get involved. Honestly, if I was a Liverpool fan there, I would be absolutely raging. I was amazed that Liverpool players didn’t get more involved.
“But I hope and that Bradley’s (injury), it’s not as serious as it might be. But for Martinelli there, utterly classless.”
Dominik Szoboszlai’s reaction to the incident between Gabriel Martinelli and Conor Bradley
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In Martinelli’s defence…
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta came out in defence of Martinelli, as he said: “Probably he doesn’t know because knowing Gabi, there is zero intention.
“I don’t know what happened to Conor, but hopefully it’s not bad, but obviously, there is no intention from Gabi to do anything bad to him.”
And Gunners legend Ray Parlour added on the talkSPORT Breakfast Show that Martinelli will be devastated by what happened.
“He’s not a bad lad and he’s not that sort of guy,” Parlour said.
“He didn’t realise how badly he’s done his knee there and hopefully the most important thing is Bradley’s okay. Let’s hope he’s not that serious as it could look.
“But he [Martinelli] will be devastated this morning and I’m really pleased he’s apologised right away to him.
“That’s the first thing you do. In the heat of the moment, people make mistakes and Martinelli certainly made a big mistake there.”
Arsenal go six clear
Despite their lacklustre performance, Arsenal extended their lead at the top of the table with Thursday’s goalless draw.
Neither side was able to find a breakthrough in north London, although Liverpool did hit the bar in the first half.
Bradley capitalised on a defensive mix-up as a poor clearance from David Raya landed at his feet on the edge of the box.
With the Gunners keeper off his line, though, the Northern Irishman’s attempted lob bounced out off the underside of the bar.
Arsenal are now six points clear of Manchester City and Aston Villa at the top of the table.
Their unbeaten home record in all competitions this season also remains intact.
Meanwhile, Liverpool are in fourth place, 14 points adrift of their opponents.
The reigning champions have a two-point cushion to fifth-placed Brentford after 21 matches of the season.
