Arsenal welcomed reigning champions Liverpool to their home ground and played out a 0-0 Premier League draw earlier on Thursday, Jan. 8. And Manchester United icon Gary Neville has hit out at a Gunners player for his actions against a Reds star.
Gary Neville Makes Intense Claim About Arsenal Player
During the Premier League leaders’ goalless home draw, Arsenal star Gabriel Martinelli tried to shove injured Liverpool ace Conor Bradley off the pitch in the dying stages of the clash.
Subsequently, tempers flared on the pitch, with both Martinelli and Reds defender Ibrahima Konate receiving yellow cards. Bradley, on the other hand, was stretchered off the pitch in the fifth minute of injury time, with the right-back reportedly suffering a knee injury.
Speaking on Sky Sports, Neville slammed the Arsenal forward for initially bouncing the ball on Bradley’s back and then attempting to push an opponent wincing in pain off the pitch.
“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,” Neville said.
Furthermore, Neville suggested the visiting players should have tried to punch Martinelli.
“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,” Neville concluded.
READ MORE: Arsenal Star Gabriel Martinelli Reacts After Pushing Conor Bradley
Martinelli, who replaced Leandro Trossard in the 64th minute of the goalless draw, endured a relatively quiet outing against the Reds. The 24-year-old Brazilian forward completed just three passes and two dribbles, registered one shot, and won two duels on Thursday.
Liverpool Boss Fearful About Conor Bradley’s Injury
During a post-game press conference, Liverpool head coach Arne Slot was asked to provide insight into the severity of Bradley’s injury, suffered while attempting to clear the ball.
“I don’t know yet, but it doesn’t look great when you have to go off on a stretcher. I think when we see the video… we probably both think the same, but we have to wait on the scans,” Slot responded to reporters.
Bradley, 22, has started 13 of his 21 appearances across all competitions for Slot’s outfit so far this campaign. The right-back has assisted two goals as well, as per Transfermarkt.
