Arsenal winger Gabriel Martinelli was involved in a controversial incident with injured Liverpool defender Conor Bradley on Thursday
LONDON, ENGLAND - JANUARY 08: Gabriel Martinelli of Arsenal reacts as Conor Bradley of Liverpool lies injured during the Premier League match between Arsenal and Liverpool at Emirates Stadium on January 08, 2026 in London, England. (Photo by Catherine Ivill - AMA/Getty Images)
Gabriel Martinelli reacts as Conor Bradley lies injured during the Premier League match between Arsenal and Liverpool at Emirates Stadium on January 08, 2026
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Arsenal winger Gabriel Martinelli is set to escape further censure after his controversial altercation with Liverpool defender Conor Bradley. Bradley suffered an injury when tussling for possession near the touchline with Martinelli during additional time of the goalless Premier League draw between the clubs at the Emirates on Thursday evening.
With the Liverpool right-back on the floor in obvious pain, Martinelli kicked the ball against Bradley and then shoved him in an attempt to roll him off the pitch so Arsenal could restart the game.
It prompted a furious response from the Liverpool players with Martinelli and Reds centre-back Ibrahima Konate booked by referee Anthony Taylor after a brief showdown.
And Martinelli is now unlikely to face any additional punishment with the Football Association unable to intervene given the incident was spotted at the time and dealt with by match official Taylor and VAR John Brooks with the award of a yellow card.
Nevertheless, Martinelli's actions have been heavily criticised with Sky Sports pundit Gary Neville stating: "I don't know how the Liverpool players didn't go over and absolutely whack him and take a red card."
Liverpool boss Arne Slot and Arsenal counterpart Mikel Arteta both opted not to further fuel the flames with their post-match comments regarding the incident, while Martinelli later took to social media to state he had already contacted Bradley and issued a public apology.
Bradley left the Emirates on crutches while wearing a knee brace and will now undergo scans to ascertain the extent of the damage with Liverpool fearing the 22-year-old faces an extended spell on the sidelines.
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