Liverpool’s draw against Arsenal was marred by an unsavoury piece of behaviour from Gunners’ winger Gabriel Martinelli towards the end of the game.
After seeing Conor Bradley go down with what looked like a potentially serious injury, the Brazilian attempted to forcibly remove the Reds’ right-back from the pitch.
With two minutes left to go in injury time, Martinelli clearly believed Bradley was trying some underhand tactics in order to run down the clock.
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Milos Kerkez battles with Bukayo Saka during Liverpool's Premier League match against Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium.
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A stretcher soon appeared to prove that this was not the case, and Martinelli has rightly earned plenty of criticism for a disappointing lack of sportsmanship.
For Liverpool, that will not be their concern right now. Instead, there will be huge worry over Bradley, who could now be set for a long time out of action. Following the full-time whistle on Thursday, the Northern Irishman appeared to suggest that the problem is concerning his knee.
Conor Bradley leaves Arsenal on crutches
The way Bradley twisted on the turf at the Emirates, Liverpool supporters will have been instantly concerned that it could be a serious knee problem.
They have already lost Giovanni Leoni to the dreaded ACL injury this season, and given their shortages in defence, Bradley sustaining the same issue would be a huge blow.
Gabriel Martinelli appeals while Liverpool's Conor Bradley sits injured during the Premier League match between the two teams at the Emirates Stadium.
Photo by Marc Atkins/Getty Images
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While no conclusions should be drawn before a scan – which will likely take place on Friday – journalist Lewis Steele reported that Liverpool’s No. 12 left the stadium with a brace over his knee as well as with the aid of crutches.
“Conor Bradley left the Emirates on crutches and in a knee brace. Liverpool seemingly fearing the worst according to Arne Slot,” said Steele.
Until nothing has been confirmed, hope will remain. But given the issue is clearly relating to his knee, supporters will begin fearing the worst.
What would you say to Gabriel Martinelli if you had the chance TONIGHT? 😡
DISGUSTING behaviour
Gabriel Martinelli appeals while Liverpool's Conor Bradley sits injured during the Premier League match between the two teams at the Emirates Stadium.
Photo by Marc Atkins/Getty Images
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Gabriel Martinelli apologises to Bradley
Although he was not at fault for the injury itself, Martinelli was clearly the villain of the piece regarding Bradley.
The Arsenal man was lambasted by Gary Neville on commentary during the game, while both Daniel Sturridge and Roy Keane also took aim at him following the game.
Clearly in the wrong, Martinelli took to his Instagram stories late on Thursday night to apologise to Bradley.
“Conor and I have messaged and I’ve already apologised to him,” he said. “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.”
Liverpool fans are unlikely to forget the actions of Martinelli, but with an apology now issued, both publicly and privately, there is no need to drag this out further. As for Bradley, supporters will be keeping everything crossed for some unexpectedly good news.
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