Arsenal Winger Says He “Didn’t Understand” Severity of Injury in Heated Final Moments of Stalemate
Arsenal winger Gabriel Martinelli has issued a public apology after shoving an injured Conor Bradley during the tense final moments of Thursday’s 0-0 draw with Liverpool, an act that drew fierce criticism from pundits and anger from opposition players.
The incident occurred deep into stoppage time when Bradley lay prone with what appeared to be a serious knee injury. Martinelli first kicked the ball against the grounded defender before pushing him in an attempt to get him off the pitch, sparking furious reactions from Liverpool players.
“I’m fuming with Martinelli,” said Sky Sports pundit Gary Neville. “I don’t know how Liverpool players didn’t go over to absolutely whack him.” Co-analyst Roy Keane added: “That behaviour is an absolute disgrace.”
On Friday, Martinelli took to Instagram to explain his actions and confirm he had privately apologized. “Conor and I have messaged and I’ve already apologised to him,” he wrote. “I really didn’t understand he was seriously injured in the heat of the moment… I’m deeply sorry.”
Liverpool manager Arne Slot offered a measured response, suggesting Martinelli may have believed Bradley was time-wasting. “I’m 100% sure that if he knew what the injury might be that he would never do it,” Slot said, while acknowledging the broader issue of simulation and gamesmanship in modern football.
The apology may help defuse tensions between the clubs, but the incident has reignited debate over player conduct and the perception of time-wasting in high-stakes matches. Bradley is now facing a potentially lengthy spell on the sidelines, with Liverpool awaiting scan results on his knee.
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