Arsenal forward Gabriel Martinelli has popped up as a topic of discussion after he attempted to push injured Liverpool defender Conor Bradley off the pitch earlier this Thursday, Jan. 8. And the Brazilian has now shed light on his actions against the Reds star.
Gabriel Martinelli Offers Apology to Injured Conor Bradley
In the final moments of Liverpool’s 0-0 Premier League draw at Arsenal, Bradley went down next to the touchline after injuring his knee while clearing the ball. Seconds later, Martinelli first dropped the ball on the Northern Irishman before trying to shove him off the pitch.
Following Martinelli’s actions, Liverpool players reacted furiously, with centre-back Ibrahima Konate receiving a yellow card alongside the Arsenal attacker. Manchester United great and renowned pundit Gary Neville even labelled the Brazilian’s behavior as “disgraceful.”
Later on, Martinelli took to social media and confirmed he has issued an apology to Bradley, insisting that he failed to realize the severity of the Liverpool right-back’s knee injury.
Posting on his Instagram story, Martinelli claimed, “Conor and I have messaged and I have already apologised to him. 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. Sending Conor all my best again for a quick recovery.”
Martinelli, 24, came on as a second-half substitute in Arsenal’s goalless draw against Arne Slot’s team, replacing Leandro Trossard in the 64th minute. He completed three of his four passes and two of his two dribbles and registered one shot on target on Thursday.
So far this season, Martinelli has scored six goals in 23 matches across all competitions for Mikel Arteta’s outfit. He has netted only once in the Premier League.
What Did Liverpool and Arsenal Bosses Comment About Martinelli’s Push?
During a post-match press conference, Liverpool head coach Slot asserted Martinelli would not have shoved Bradley if he had understood the seriousness of his defender’s injury.
“I don’t know Gabriel Martinelli but he comes across as a nice guy. You cannot expect him 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,” Slot said.
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Meanwhile, Arsenal manager Arteta also echoed a similar sentiment about the Brazilian.
“He’s an incredible, lovely guy, and he probably didn’t realise what happened. I hope that Conor is well, I will have a word with him to understand that. Probably (Martinelli) didn’t recognise what happened,” the Spaniard told reporters.
Following the recent draw, Arsenal are atop the 2025-26 Premier League standings with 49 points from 21 outings. Liverpool are fourth with 35 points from same number of games.