Martinelli slammed for shoving injured Bradley in Arsenal clash

Posted Friday, January 09, 2026 by tribalfootball

Arsenal forward Gabriel Martinelli faced criticism after attempting to push Liverpool defender Conor Bradley off the pitch in stoppage time during Thursday’s goalless Premier League draw at the Emirates.

Bradley, 22, appeared in distress and was stretchered off, with fears of a serious injury. The match saw other spiky moments, including clashes between Virgil van Dijk and Declan Rice, while Martinelli’s frustration drew sharp criticism from commentator Gary Neville.

Neville said on Sky Sports: "Oh you can't push him off the pitch. You cannot do that, you idiot. That's so poor. I'm surprised the Liverpool players haven't gone over and had a right pop at him.

“I think an apology is needed. He's thrown the ball at him as well. Yeah, it's no good. Gonna be stretchered off Conor Bradley, and it's a sad sight.

“He's someone who has had injuries. I'm actually fuming with Martinelli. Honestly, I don't know how the Liverpool players didn't go over there and whack him, to be honest with you and take a red card. Absolutely disgraceful, that."