Gabriel Martinelli playing for Arsenal, Conor Bradley injury in a circular inset
Credit: Imago / Sky Sports
Harri Burton
Fri 9 January 2026 6:30, UK
Anthony Taylor should have sent Gabriel Martinelli off during a moment of madness between Arsenal and Liverpool on Thursday.
That is according to former PGMOL chief and ex-FIFA referee, Keith Hackett, who exclusively told Football Insider that Taylor did well not to overreact, but should have issued a red card on 8 January.
With only Leandro Trossard and Alexis Mac Allister going into the book during the normal 90 minutes, the referee was anxious to keep his cards in his pocket, but he had very little choice in the final stages.
Martinelli, who has been linked with an Arsenal exit, let his emotions boil over, shoving an injured Conor Bradley off the pitch, sparking a melee between several stars, also earning Ibrahima Konate a caution.
It was a hugely frustrating moment for both sides, and one that could see more punishment should the FA decide to investigate.
"It's even worse than disrespectful"
Daniel Sturridge and Roy Keane react to Gabriel Martinelli's actions in the final minutes of Arsenal vs Liverpool. pic.twitter.com/K7vLrnn6iD
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) January 8, 2026
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Keith Hackett wants Gabriel Martinelli investigated
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider about the incident involving Martinelli and Bradley, the former referee could not hold back his fury after watching it all unfold at the Emirates.
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“It was evident that the Liverpool player [Conor Bradley] was seriously injured. The actions of Martinelli were frankly disgraceful, and for me, deserved a red card,” he said.
“His actions endangered the safety of his opponent. When a player is injured, and this was serious, it is so important that trained medics assess the player quickly and determine how to deal with the injured player.
“Referee Anthony Taylor, who officiated well throughout this encounter by his prompt action of showing a quick yellow, helped to diffuse the flare-up.
Conor Bradley running in Liverpool shirt looking focused
Credit: Imago
“I want the authorities to review this incident with a view to upgrading Taylor’s yellow card. I do not expect the football authorities to take any further action, but I would be happy if they did.”
Dominik Szoboszlai was far from impressed by the Arsenal star
Unsurprisingly, emotions were high right before the final whistle, with neither side able to break the deadlock, but Arsenal‘s winger has zero excuses for his actions.
For a player who has also suffered with his own injury problems, he should have had a lot more sympathy for Bradley, who was clearly in a lot of pain after missing a clearance next to the sidelines.
Speaking after the game, Dominik Szoboszlai was extremely disappointed, saying, “I understand that he wants to win; we want to win as well, but I think the health of a player is way more important.”
The Hungarian international has hit the nail on the head with his answer. Martinelli should be absolutely ashamed by his actions and should certainly be issuing an apology at some point in the not-too-distant future.