Gary Neville has criticised the Liverpool players for failing to have a go at Arsenal's Gabriel Martinelli following his actions in the closing stages of their game. The pair of Premier League giants played out a goalless draw at the Emirates Stadium as the Reds extended their unbeaten run to nine games.
Neville spoke on Sky Sports about the fracas that ensued in stoppage time of the game when Liverpool star Conor Bradley appeared to have picked up an injury and Martinelli tried to push him off the pitch. The pundit referred to the Arsenal man as an 'idiot' and pointed out that he needs to apologise. He also wondered why one of Bradley's teammates did not physically take aim at the Brazilian.
"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. 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", he said (via GOAL).
Gabriel Martinelli was introduced off the bench in the second half as Arsenal laboured to find a way past the reigning champions at home. The Brazil international had his most telling contribution in controversial fashion, earning a booking from referee Anthony Taylor.
Liverpool right-back Bradley appeared to twist his knee while attempting to hook the ball clear and stayed down on the edge of the pitch as he writhed in pain. Arsenal's Martinelli threw the ball towards him before proceeding to push him off the pitch with his knees and hands, sparking a brief melee that saw Ibrahima Konate also get booked.
Arsenal star issues apology following incident in Liverpool clash
Arsenal forward Gabriel Martinelli has issued an apology for his behaviour in the closing stages of his side's meeting with Liverpool on Thursday. The Brazil international earned a booking in stoppage time as the Gunners were held to a goalless draw at home by the Reds.
Martinelli took to Instagram to explain that he was unaware that Conor Bradley had picked up an injury and assumed that he only intended to waste time with his actions. He revealed that he had already reached out to the Northern Ireland international and offered an apology privately, and apologised to the general public, as well.
"Conor and I have messaged and I've 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", he posted on his Instagram story.
Mikel Arteta's side missed a chance to go eight points clear at the summit of the Premier League following draws from Manchester City and Aston Villa this midweek. The Gunners maintain their six-point lead atop the standings as they look to win a first league title since 2004.