Gabriel Martinelli was booked for his misconduct at the end of Arsenal's clash against Liverpool
22:58, 08 Jan 2026
Roy Keane was appalled by Gabriel Martinelli's behaviour
View 3 Images
Roy Keane was appalled by Gabriel Martinelli's behaviour
Mikel Arteta has leapt to the defence of Gabriel Martinelli following his controversial clash with Conor Bradley. In the dying embers of stoppage time, the Arsenal winger was unsympathetic towards Conor Bradley after he had suffered an injury.
The Liverpool defender fell awkwardly after leaping into the air to clear his lines. He fell to the ground in a heap, clutching his leg and slapping the turf in discomfort.
Rather than console Bradley, who was visibly in pain, Martinelli threw the ball at him. The Gunners forward then tried to push him off the pitch, which sparked a fiery reaction from the opposition.
Shortly after Anthony Taylor had diffused the mass brawl, the Reds right-back was stretchered off the field. After the game, Arteta was asked for his thoughts on his player's behaviour.
The Spaniard said: "Probably he doesn't know because knowing Gabi, there is zero intention. I don't know what happened to Conor, but hopefully it's not bad, but obviously, there is no intention from Gabi to do anything bad to him."
Roy Keane, however, wasn't so forgiving, describing the incident as an 'absolute disgrace'. Speaking on Sky Sports after the game, the Manchester United legend said: "I didn't like it at all. It happened to me once.
Referee Anthony Taylor reacts as he drops his yellow card during the Premier League match between Arsenal and Liverpool at Emirates Stadium on January 8, 2026 in London, England
View 3 Images
Gabriel Martinelli ignited a mass brawl during Arsenal's clash against Liverpool(Image: Photo by Marc Atkins/Getty Images)
"I was badly injured, and a player stood over me. It's not good. We know football, the player is a good lad. Throwing the ball at him, standing over him and getting a little knee on him.
"He tries to force him off. That behaviour is an absolute disgrace. He's a good boy to roll over himself. Hopefully, Martinelli will have a look at it and hopefully, he'll apologise for it. Not good stuff that."
Gary Neville was equally disappointed in Martinelli. Speaking from the gantry at the Emirates Stadium, he said: "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."
Gabriel Martinelli is booked
View 3 Images
Gabriel Martinelli was booked for his actions(Image: PA)
A few moments later, Neville suggested that a Liverpool player should 'whack' Martinelli. He added: "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. He's got those hands over his face, and I'm actually fuming with Martinelli, to be honest. I don't know how Liverpool players didn't go over and whack him to be honest with you, and take a red card. Absolutely disgraceful that."
Dominik Szoboszlai, who was awarded man of the match, offered his thoughts on the incident. The Liverpool midfielder said: "I see that Conor [Bradley] twisted his knee.
"I don't know what is going on with him. He didn't want to come on to the pitch, time wasting. He couldn't think where he was. Then he [Martinelli] comes to push him on the pitch.
Article continues below
"I understand they want to win, we want to win. But the health of the player comes ahead of everything else!"
Welcome to 'Seeing Red' - our new Arsenal podcast
We've launched a new Arsenal podcast 'Seeing Red' with chief football writer John Cross and Arsenal reporter Tom Canton.
Each week, they will dive deep into the biggest topics as they follow Mikel Arteta's side every step of the way - and will also discuss nostalgic flashbacks before each fixture.
It's a great time to be an Arsenal fan, with the Gunners flying high under Arteta as they look to win silverware this season.
The North Londoners are going strong in the Premier League and Champions League - and they're also in the Carabao Cup quarter-finals.
We'll provide insight and reaction - and have fun along the way - as Arsenal target the biggest trophies this season.
No stone will be left unturned. VAR controversy? Poor performances? Unsung hero who deserves praise? Fixture chaos? We'll have it all covered.
Click here to view our YouTube channel
Click here to download our podcasts