Arsenal’s Gabriel Martinelli has found himself at the centre of controversy following a late-game clash with Liverpool’s Conor Bradley during the Premier League stalemate at the Emirates Stadium.
The incident, which saw Bradley leave the pitch on a stretcher, sparked heated reactions from players, pundits, and fans alike.
While some criticised Martinelli’s actions, manager Mikel Arteta has defended his forward, insisting the incident was unintentional and reflecting on the challenges of maintaining composure in the dying moments of a tense match.
What Happened Between Gabriel Martinelli and Conor Bradley?
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has come to the defence of Gabriel Martinelli following a tense incident during Arsenal’s 0-0 draw with Liverpool at the Emirates Stadium.
The clash occurred in stoppage time when Liverpool full-back Conor Bradley went down awkwardly near the touchline and required a stretcher.
Footage showed Martinelli drop the ball on the injured player before attempting to guide him off the pitch, prompting anger from Liverpool players. Both Martinelli and Liverpool defender Ibrahima Konate were booked in the heated aftermath.
Here’s the full clip again, showing Martinelli smacking the ball on Conor Bradley, then kneeing and pushing him off the pitch.
Disgraceful. Rancid. Call it whatever you want. But it certainly isn’t a surprise considering the club and manager he plays for.pic.twitter.com/PtinY3fH4p https://t.co/yyfBcoBM0Y
— Football Confidential (@footballconfid1) January 9, 2026
Speaking after the game, Arteta emphasised his player’s good character: “Knowing Gabi, he’s an incredible, lovely guy.
He probably didn’t realise what happened. I hope that Conor is well. I will have a word with him to understand that. Probably he didn’t recognise what happened.”
How Serious Could Conor Bradley’s Injury Be?
Liverpool boss Arne Slot admitted he feared the worst for Bradley, who left the pitch on crutches: “I fear the worst for Conor Bradley.
I don’t know yet, but he had to go off on a stretcher. We’ll have to wait on the scans to see if it’s that bad.”
Slot also defended Martinelli, suggesting the Brazilian was unlikely to have intended any harm: “You cannot expect Martinelli to think so clearly in the 94th minute. I’m a hundred per cent sure that if he knew what the injury might be, he would never do that.”
The incident came late in a game that had been largely uneventful, with neither side creating many clear chances.
How Did the Game Play Out Before the Incident?
Arsenal dominated the first half but struggled to trouble Alisson in goal. Liverpool, meanwhile, had a notable chance when Bradley hit the bar after a mix-up between David Raya and William Saliba.
The second half saw Liverpool controlling possession in Arsenal’s half, but neither side could find the breakthrough.
Arteta reflected on the draw: “Yes, every time you don’t win. But then we would be 12, 15, 20 points ahead. I have to really praise the team and the players individually for what they’ve done in this Christmas period.
The demands and the schedule are unbelievable. What they’ve done is remarkable.”
What Are Experts Saying About the Incident?
Pundit Roy Keane described Martinelli’s action as a disgrace, highlighting the potential dangers of challenging injured players.
Meanwhile, football fans and commentators on Twitter and Reddit have debated whether it was intentional or an accident, illustrating how quickly incidents can become polarising online.
What does this mean for Arsenal and the Premier League?
- Arsenal remain six points clear at the top of the Premier League, with Manchester City and Aston Villa drawing midweek.
- Gabriel Martinelli faces no retrospective punishment, pending review by the FA.
- The incident raises questions about player safety, particularly in the closing minutes of matches where fatigue and tension run high.
