In a dramatic Premier League clash at the Emirates Stadium, Arsenal forward Gabriel Martinelli found himself at the centre of controversy following a heated exchange with Liverpool's Conor Bradley. The incident, which occurred in the dying moments of the match, has sparked widespread discussion and a subsequent public apology from the Brazilian winger.
The Heated On-Field Incident
The flashpoint happened deep into stoppage time. Liverpool's young defender, Conor Bradley, was on the ground, appearing to have sustained a knee injury. In a moment of high frustration, Arsenal's Gabriel Martinelli kicked the ball against the prone Bradley and then shoved him off the pitch. The act incensed several Liverpool players who witnessed the contact.
Ironically, amidst the ensuing melee, it was Liverpool's central defender Ibrahima Konate who received a yellow card for his involvement in the scuffle that followed Martinelli's actions. The ugly scenes marred what had been a fiercely competitive encounter between two title-chasing sides.
Martinelli's Public Apology on Instagram
Following the final whistle on January 9, 2026, Gabriel Martinelli took to social media to address the incident directly. In a post on Instagram, the Arsenal star issued a sincere apology to Conor Bradley.
"Conor and I have messaged and I've already apologised to him," Martinelli wrote. "I really didn't understand he was seriously injured in heat of the moment. I want to say I'm deeply sorry for reacting. Sending Conor all my best again for a quick recovery."
This public statement aimed to clarify that his actions were born of momentary passion and a misunderstanding of the severity of Bradley's condition, rather than any malicious intent.
Liverpool Manager Arne Slot's Reaction
Liverpool's manager, Arne Slot, provided a measured and insightful response when questioned about the incident in his post-match press conference. While condemning the act, Slot offered a perspective on the modern game's culture that may have contributed to the misunderstanding.
"I don't know Gabriel Martinelli but he comes across as a nice guy," Slot began, refusing to personally vilify the Arsenal player.
Slot then pointed to a broader issue plaguing football: "I think the problem for him is, and it's a problem in general in football, that there is so much time-wasting and players pretending they are injured in the final parts of the game." He suggested that in the 94th minute, with emotions running high, a player desperate to score might mistake a genuine injury for gamesmanship.
The Dutch manager elaborated, drawing on his own team's experiences: "I've seen it happen against us so many times this season... I can understand Martinelli might have thought this was time-wasting." He expressed his certainty that had Martinelli known the potential extent of Bradley's injury, he would never have acted as he did.
However, Slot added a crucial caveat: "But it doesn't look great if he (Bradley) has the injury which we fear he might have." This comment underscored the seriousness of the situation, shifting the focus back to the well-being of his player, Conor Bradley, whose injury is a significant concern for Liverpool.
Broader Implications and Conclusion
This incident highlights the intense pressure and high emotions inherent in top-flight football, especially in crucial matches between rivals. While Martinelli's apology has been issued and accepted privately, the public discussion continues, particularly around the points raised by Arne Slot regarding simulation and time-wasting.
The episode serves as a reminder of how quickly situations can escalate on the pitch and the importance of player conduct. The football community will now await updates on Conor Bradley's knee injury, hoping for a positive prognosis for the talented Liverpool full-back. Meanwhile, Martinelli's swift apology may help to draw a line under the personal aspect of the conflict, even as the debate about the state of the modern game rages on.
