Sports
Gabriel Martinelli Issues Statement After Backlash For Conor Bradley Incident
Gabriel Martinelli has issued a statement via social media after being heavily criticised for trying to push injured Conor Bradley off the pitch during the closing stages of Arsenal’s 0-0 draw with Liverpool on Thursday evening.
The incident occurred in stoppage-time when Liverpool right-back Bradley went down in pain after falling awkwardly while chasing the ball. Martinelli reacted by dropping the ball on the 22-year-old before shoving him in the back in attempt to get him off the pitch so that the game could continue. Watch the incidentt below:
The Brazilian’s eyebrow-raising behaviour sparked a melee between both sets of players, leading to yellow cards for both Martinelli and Liverpool centre-back Ibrahima Konate. Former Manchester United captain Gary Neville, who was working as co-commentator for Sky Sports, slammed the South American, saying: “I’m actually fuming with Martinelli. I don’t know how Liverpool players didn’t go over and absolutely whack him.”
Roy Keane echoed those sentiments in the Sky Sports studio after the match, commenting: “I’m surprised the Liverpool players didn’t go after Martinelli a bit more. That behaviour is a disgrace. Not good scenes. Hopefully Martinelli will go over and apologise for it.”
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta, one of the world’s best managers, defended his player after the match, telling reporters: “Knowing Gabby, if anybody knows Gabby, [he’s] an incredibly lovely guy and probably he didn’t realise what happened. I hope that Conor is well. I will have a word with him now to understand that, but probably he didn’t recognise what happened.”
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Martinelli Speaks Out Following Backlash
Martinelli then posted a message on his Instagram story, confirming that he ‘didn’t understand’ Bradley was ‘seriously injured’ in the heat of the moment. The 24-year-old confirmed that he had also spoken to the full-back, who was seen leaving the Emirates Stadium on crutches with his knee in a brace.
“Conor and I have messaged and I have already apologised to him,” Martinelli posted on Instagram. “I really didn’t understand he was seriously injured in the heat of the moment.”
The forward added: “I want to say I’m deeply sorry for reacting. Sending Conor all my best again for a quick recovery.”
Thursday’s result means Liverpool remain six points clear of second-placed Manchester City, who drew 1-1 with Brighton on Wednesday, after 21 matches. Meanwhile, reigning champions Liverpool currently sit fourth in the table, 14 points behind the league leaders.
