Arsenal forward Gabriel Martinelli has apologised to Liverpool's Conor Bradley after shoving the defender while he was injured during Thursday's goalless Premier League draw at the Emirates Stadium.
The incident occurred in the latter stages when Bradley went down with a knee injury near the sideline. Martinelli first dropped the ball on the Reds right-back, believing he was time-wasting, and then attempted to push him off the pitch. The clash sparked a furious reaction from Liverpool players, with the severity of Bradley's injury becoming clear as he was stretchered off in tears.
Martinelli was widely criticised, with Sky Sports pundits Gary Neville and Roy Keane labelling his behaviour as “disgraceful”. Neville said on commentary: “You cannot do that. That is so poor. I am actually fuming with Martinelli.”
However, the Brazilian took to Instagram to reveal he had messaged Bradley. “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,” he wrote.
Liverpool manager Arne Slot defended Martinelli, citing the prevalence of time-wasting in modern football, while Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta said: “Knowing Gabi, he's an incredible, lovely guy, and he probably didn't realise what happened.”
Slot expressed fears over a possible long-term injury for Bradley, who left the stadium on crutches with his left knee strapped. The Northern Ireland defender is due to undergo scans.
