Arsenal winger Gabriel Martinelli has issued a public apology following a controversial incident involving Liverpool’s Conor Bradley during the 0-0 draw at the Emirates Stadium on Friday, January 9, 2026. The episode, which occurred in stoppage time, sparked heated exchanges on the pitch and drew reactions from pundits, managers, and teammates alike.
The Incident That Sparked Controversy
The confrontation unfolded during the final moments of the match when Bradley fell awkwardly near the sideline while chasing a loose ball. The young Liverpool defender immediately clutched his knee, signaling potential injury.
In the midst of the situation, Martinelli approached, rolled the ball toward Bradley, and pushed the defender’s back in an attempt to resume play quickly. The act, seen as forceful and unnecessary, triggered an on-field confrontation, with players from both sides engaging in verbal and physical skirmishes.
Referee officials intervened, issuing yellow cards to Martinelli and Liverpool’s Ibrahima Konaté for their roles in the altercation. Meanwhile, Bradley received medical attention and was eventually stretchered off the pitch, later leaving the Emirates on crutches with a knee brace.
Pundits Criticize Martinelli
The incident quickly drew criticism from former Premier League stars, particularly from the Manchester United contingent. Gary Neville called the act “absolutely shameful,” labeling Martinelli as an “idiot,” while Roy Keane added his voice to the criticism, condemning the push as unacceptable.
The intensity of the reaction highlighted how even minor lapses in judgment in high-stakes matches can lead to scrutiny from media and football legends.
Martinelli’s Apology
Shortly after the game, Martinelli took to social media to apologize. He confirmed that he had personally contacted Bradley to express his regret.
“I truly did not realize that the injury was serious in the heat of the moment,” Martinelli wrote on his Instagram account. “I want to say that I am deeply sorry for my reaction. Once again, I send my best wishes to Conor for a swift recovery.”
His statement emphasized that the shove was not intentional and that he regretted the impact it had on the Liverpool player.
Moderation from Arne Slot
Liverpool manager Arne Slot offered a more measured perspective on the incident, suggesting it was symptomatic of modern football pressures, particularly time-wasting tactics in critical match moments.
“I don’t know Gabriel Martinelli personally, but he seems like a good guy,” Slot said. “The problem—and it’s a common issue in football—is the frequent time-wasting and players simulating injury in the final minutes. In such moments, frustration can boil over when you are trying to score.”
Slot continued, “You can’t expect Martinelli to think clearly in the 94th minute. I’m confident if he knew how serious Bradley’s injury was, he would never have acted that way.”
He also noted that it was still too early to determine the full extent of Bradley’s injury, though he acknowledged the shove looked worse given the defender’s condition.
Understanding from Managers
Liverpool’s manager acknowledged the recurring issue of time-wasting and player simulations, suggesting Martinelli likely viewed Bradley’s fall as part of that pattern.
Similarly, Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta defended Martinelli, describing him as an “extraordinary and very good person” and stressing that there was no malicious intent in his actions.
“I don’t know exactly what happened to Conor, I hope it’s not serious,” Arteta said. “But it’s clear that Gabi had no intention of harming him.”
Teammate Reactions
Not all reactions were sympathetic. Dominik Szoboszlai, Bradley’s Liverpool teammate, emphasized the severity of the situation.
“He was in so much pain that he couldn’t even want to get back on the field to waste time,” Szoboszlai said. “He couldn’t even control which way his body was twisting before Martinelli pushed him.”
The Hungarian midfielder concluded with a firm statement about player welfare:
“I understand everyone wants to win, and we want to win too. But a player’s health is far more important than anything else.”
Moving Forward
The incident between Martinelli and Bradley underscores the fine line between competitive frustration and dangerous play in modern football. While the winger’s apology has been accepted by some, pundits and rival players continue to debate whether the shove was reckless or understandable in the context of a high-pressure match.
For Martinelli, the episode serves as a reminder of the responsibility players carry on the field, particularly when facing opponents who may be vulnerable. Meanwhile, Bradley’s recovery and the reactions it provoked highlight the broader conversation around player safety, fair play, and the pressures of professional football.
Ultimately, while emotions ran high in the final minutes at the Emirates, the incident has sparked wider discussions about conduct, accountability, and respect among players, managers, and fans alike.
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