Roy Keane and Gary Neville were both left fuming after Arsenal's Gabriel Martinelli pushed an Conor Bradley while the Liverpool defender lay injured on the ground
James Findlater Content Editor
23:05, 08 Jan 2026
Former Manchester United captain Roy Keane
Former Manchester United captain Roy Keane(Image: Sky Sports)
Roy Keane joined his former Manchester United teammate Gary Neville in demanding an apology from Gabriel Martinelli after the Arsenal star’s push on the injured Conor Bradley.
The Liverpool right-back had to be stretchered off after picking up what looked to be a serious injury during the final stages of the Reds’ goalless draw with the Premier League leaders in north London.
But while Bradley lay writhing on the floor, clearly in pain, Martinelli threw the ball at him before attempting to push him off the pitch, sparking angry scenes from Liverpool’s players as physios tried to treat the defender.
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Martinelli was booked for his reaction, and had to be held back by compatriot Alisson Becker, while Ibrahima Konate also received a yellow card in the scuffle, with the Liverpool defender incensed by the Arsenal winger’s actions.
Reacting to the incident after the game, former United captain Keane wasn’t at all happy with Martinelli.
“I didn’t like it, I didn’t like it at all,” Keane told Sky Sports.
“Happened to me once when I was badly injured and a player stood over me. It’s not good, because clearly, we could see, we know football, we know players’ reactions, we know he’s a good lad.
Liverpool players reacted angrily after Gabriel Martinelli pushed Conor Bradley
Liverpool players reacted angrily after Gabriel Martinelli pushed Conor Bradley(Image: Getty Images)
“First of all, throwing the ball on him, standing over him, and he’s got a little knee in him here, if you watch it closely, he’s trying to force him off.
“I’m surprised the Liverpool players didn’t go after Martinelli a bit more. I think that behavior is an absolute disgrace, because he’s a good boy to roll around himself.
“Not good scenes. Hopefully Martinelli will have a look at it, and hopefully apologize for it.”
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Keane added: “You know your players, you could tell he’s obviously injured.
“You don’t know the injury the player’s got, it looks pretty bad, and you’re trying to push him off the pitch? Not good stuff that.”
His comments come after Neville reacted angrily to Martinelli, also calling for an apology while suggesting that Liverpool’s players should have taken matters even further.
Conor Bradley left the field on a stretcher after suffering a knee injury.
Conor Bradley left the field on a stretcher after suffering a knee injury.(Image: 2026 Liverpool FC)
“You can’t push him off the pitch. You cannot do that, you idiot,” Neville began while on commentary.
“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.”
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Neville continued: “He’s stretchered off Conor Bradley, and it’s a sad sight. Someone who’s had injuries, he’s got his hands over his face.
“I’m actually fuming with Martinelli, honestly, I don’t know how the Liverpool players didn’t go over and absolutely whack him. Take a red card, absolutely disgraceful that.”