Former Manchester United defender and prominent pundit Gary Neville launched a furious verbal attack on Arsenal forward Gabriel Martinelli, branding the Brazilian an "idiot" for his role in a contentious incident during the Gunners' stalemate with Liverpool.
The Flashpoint That Sparked Neville's Fury
The controversy erupted in the latter stages of the tense 0-0 Premier League draw at the Emirates Stadium on January 8, 2026. Liverpool's young Northern Ireland full-back, Conor Bradley, was left stricken on the turf after an awkward landing as he attempted to clear the ball.
Bradley had successfully averted danger and looked to kick the ball into touch, but his momentum caused him to fall awkwardly, resulting in a serious-looking injury. As medical staff prepared to attend to the defender, the situation turned ugly.
Martinelli's Controversial Actions
Instead of showing concern for the injured player, Arsenal's Gabriel Martinelli provoked outrage. Witnesses and broadcast footage showed the forward first throwing the ball at the prone Bradley before then attempting to physically push him off the pitch in a bid to get the game restarted quickly.
This unsportsmanlike conduct immediately drew the ire of players, fans, and commentators alike. It was this moment that triggered Gary Neville's explosive reaction in the Sky Sports commentary box.
Neville's Explosive Reaction and The Aftermath
Neville, never one to mince his words, did not hold back in his criticism of the Arsenal star's behaviour. His live commentary labelled Martinelli's actions as foolish and lacking in basic respect for an injured opponent.
The immediate consequence saw Conor Bradley stretchered off the pitch, casting a shadow over Liverpool's defensive options. The longer-term implications, however, may centre on Martinelli's discipline and the wider discussion around player conduct in the modern game.
This incident adds another chapter to the fiercely competitive rivalry between Arsenal and Liverpool, a fixture already known for its high stakes and occasional flashpoints. The draw itself had significant implications for the Premier League title race, making the tension on the pitch palpable even before this controversial moment unfolded.
