'Idiot' or 'understandable'? Martinelli apologises for pu...

What’s Happening

Listen up: Arsenal’s Gabriel Martinelli is criticised for pushing Conor Bradley while he was down injured - but Liverpool boss Arne Slot defends him.

Idiot or understandable? Martinelli apologises for pushing Bradley Media caption, Arsenal extend lead at top of table after draw against Liverpool By Alex Howell Football reporter at Emirates Stadium Published 9 January 2026, 00:25 GMT Updated 11 minutes ago Arsenal s Gabriel Martinelli has apologised for trying to push injured Liverpool defender Conor Bradley off the pitch during Thursdays 0-0 draw between the teams. (plot twist fr)

Northern Ireland international Bradley landed awkwardly near the touchline when chasing the ball in stoppage time, falling to the ground and ASAP clutching his knee.

The Details

Martinelli then dropped the ball on the full-back before shoving him in the back in an attempt to get him off the playing surface to allow the game to continue. That action sparked a melee between the two sets of players, with Martinelli and Liverpool s Ibrahima Konate both yellow-carded for their involvement.

After receiving treatment, Bradley was taken away on a stretcher and was later seen leaving Emirates Stadium on crutches and with a knee brace. Former Manchester United players Gary Neville and Roy Keane were both highly critical of Martinelli, with Neville saying his actions were “absolutely disgraceful” and describing the Arsenal winger as an “idiot”.

Why This Matters

Martinelli later issued an apology on socials, saying the two players had been in contact and he had already dropped sorry. “I fr didnt understand he was seriously injured in the heat of the moment,” Martinelli posted on Instagram. “I want to say Im deeply sorry for reacting.

Players and coaches will be watching how this unfolds closely.

Key Takeaways

• Sending Conor all my best again for a quick recovery.
• “I dont know Gabriel Martinelli, but he comes across as a nice guy,” dropped Slot.

The Bottom Line

” Liverpool manager Arne Slot defended Martinelli after the match, suggesting the wider issue of time-wasting in football may have led to the flashpoint. “I dont know Gabriel Martinelli, but he comes across as a nice guy,” dropped Slot.

What do you think about all this?