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Neville says 'idiot' Martinelli should've been sent off for act on Liverpool star

Conor Bradley had to be stretchered off during stoppage time at the end of Liverpool's draw with Arsenal.

The incident resulted in a scuffle between players from both sides as Gabriel Martinelli's reaction angered the Reds stars.

Conor Bradley of Liverpool leaves the pitch on a stretcher during the Premier League match between Arsenal and Liverpool at Emirates Stadium on January 08, 2026 in London, England.

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Bradley was stretchered off during the closing stages at the Emirates StadiumCredit: Getty

Bradley had had gone down close to the touchline as he made a clearance, with concern quickly shown for the defender.

However, as the Liverpool medical team ran on, Martinelli attempted to shove him off the pitch.

His antics drew an immediate reaction from the visitors, with players from both sides quickly involved in a melee.

Ibrahima Konate was amongst those incensed by the Brazilian, who also dropped the ball on Bradley.

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Once tempers were cooled, Bradley was stretchered off and replaced by Joe Gomez.

Meanwhile, Martinelli was shown a yellow card by referee Anthony Taylor, with Konate also cautioned for his reaction.

Gary Neville believes it should've been a different colour card aimed at Martinelli as he slammed the Gunners winger.

Speaking on Sky Sports' coverage, he exclaimed: "You can't push him off the pitch! You cannot do that. That is so poor. I think an apology is needed.

"Bradley is being stretchered off. I'm fuming with Martinelli to be honest. Disgraceful."

The former Manchester United defender even went as far as labelling Martinelli an 'idiot' for pushing the stricken Bradley.

Conor Bradley stretchered off at Arsenal

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Bradley has endured a number of injury setbacks at LiverpoolCredit: AFP

Gabriel Martinelli shown yellow card against Liverpool

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The Liverpool players and Neville were furious with Martinelli for his shove on the injured BradleyCredit: Getty

Following the match, Roy Keane added: "I didn't like it at all… I had it when someone was stood over me.

"I think that behaviour from Martinelli was a disgrace, hopefully he'll apologise for it."

He continued: "You don't know the injury the player's got and you try to push him off the pitch!"

Meanwhile, Neville remained angry over what he had seen, admitting: "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."

Despite their lacklustre performance, Arsenal extended their lead at the top of the table with Thursday's goalless draw.

Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai of Liverpool confront Gabriel Martinelli of Arsenal after he pushes Conor Bradley of Liverpool during the Premier League match between Arsenal and Liverpool at Emirates Stadium on January 8, 2026 in London, England.

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Martinelli was booked following the incident, having also dropped the ball on BradleyCredit: Getty

Neither side was able to find a breakthrough in north London, although Liverpool did hit the bar in the first half.

Bradley capitalised on a defensive mix-up as a poor clearance from David Raya landed at his feet on the edge of the box.

With the Gunners keeper off his line, though, the Northern Irishman's attempted lob bounced out off the underside of the bar.

Arsenal are now six points clear of Manchester City and Aston Villa at the top of the table.

Their unbeaten home record in all competitions this season also remains intact.

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Meanwhile, Liverpool are in fourth place, 14 points adrift of their opponents.

The reigning champions have a two-point cushion to fifth-placed Brentford after 21 matches of the season.

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