Arsenal supporters have launched a scathing attack on Sky Sports pundit Gary Neville, labelling him a 'disgrace' for on-air comments made in the aftermath of a controversial incident involving Gabriel Martinelli and Liverpool's Conor Bradley.
The Controversial Incident and Neville's Reaction
The flashpoint occurred during injury time of Thursday evening's tense 0-0 Premier League draw at the Emirates Stadium. With Liverpool defender Conor Bradley lying on the pitch appearing to be in serious pain, Arsenal winger Gabriel Martinelli first dropped the ball on him and gestured to officials. He then took matters into his own hands, forcefully shoving the 22-year-old Northern Irishman off the playing surface.
While on co-commentary duty for Sky Sports, former Manchester United captain Gary Neville did not hold back. He admitted he was 'fuming' and expressed surprise that Liverpool players, who had rushed to confront Martinelli, didn't go further. 'I am actually fuming with Martinelli,' Neville said. 'I don't know how the Liverpool players didn't go over and absolutely whack him to be honest with you and take a red card. Absolutely disgraceful, that.'
Neville, who also branded the Brazilian an 'idiot', suggested Martinelli should offer a personal apology to Bradley.
Apologies and Managerial Responses
Martinelli did indeed issue a public apology just hours after the final whistle. In a statement on Instagram, he revealed: 'Conor and I have messaged and I've already apologised to him. I really didn't understand he was injured in the heat of the moment. I want to say I'm deeply sorry for reacting.'
Liverpool manager Arne Slot confirmed he 'fears the worst' for Bradley, who left the stadium on crutches and in a knee brace. Slot, however, sought to give Martinelli the benefit of the doubt, stating: 'I'm 100 per cent sure that if he knew what the injury might be that he would never do (what he did)... I don't know Gabriel Martinelli but he comes across as a nice guy.'
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta echoed this sentiment, describing Martinelli as 'an incredibly lovely guy' who likely didn't recognise the severity of the situation, adding that he would speak to the player.
Widespread Condemnation and Fan Fury
Despite the apologies, Neville's commentary sparked a furious reaction from Arsenal fans online. One popular fan account accused him of being 'a disgrace' and 'absolute scum' for a neutral commentator advocating violence. Another stated the incident revealed 'the REAL Gary Neville... one who hates Arsenal', calling his remarks 'nothing short of a disgrace'. A third criticised the broadcast for potentially influencing young viewers.
Neville was not alone in criticising Martinelli's actions. Fellow Sky pundit Roy Keane referenced his own infamous past incident, saying: 'That behaviour is an absolute disgrace.' Former Liverpool striker Daniel Sturridge also weighed in, calling it 'worse than disrespectful'.
The episode has ignited a fierce debate about conduct on the pitch, the responsibilities of commentators, and the line between passion and respect in the heat of a top-flight battle.
