Martinelli breaks silence after Arsenal-Liverpool flashpoint Bradley leaves injured

Arsenal winger Gabriel Martinelli said he had apologized to Liverpool defender Conor Bradley after an incident late in Thursday’s 0-0 Premier League draw at the Emirates.

Martinelli was criticized for dropping the ball on Bradley while he lay injured and trying to usher him off the field so play could resume. Some pundits believed the Brazilian should have been sent off, but he was only shown a yellow card, prompting angry reactions from Liverpool players.

Bradley, 22, left the stadium on crutches and wearing a knee brace. Former Manchester United captain Roy Keane called Martinelli «a disgrace» on Sky Sports.

In response to the backlash, Martinelli wrote on Instagram: “Conor and I messaged and I have already apologized to him.

“I really didn’t understand how he was seriously injured in the heat of the moment.

‘I want to say that I am very sorry for reacting.

‘I once again send Conor my best efforts for a speedy recovery.’

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta defended his player, describing Martinelli as “an incredible, lovely guy” and insisting he would not have acted as he did if he had known the extent of the injury.

Liverpool boss Arne Slot echoed that view, saying: “You can’t expect Martinelli to think so clearly in the 94th minute.

«I’m 100 percent sure that if he knew what the injury could be, he would never do that.»

On Bradley’s condition, Slot added: «I fear the worst for Conor Bradley» while confirmatory scans would determine the severity.

The draw marked the first time Arsenal have failed to score at home this season, but extended their lead over second-placed Manchester City to six points.

Published on January 9, 2026