Bradley's Injury Sparks Fury Over Martinelli's "Disgraceful" Shove in Heated Clash

The disclosure that Liverpool boss Arne Slot is "dreading the worst outcome" for Conor Bradley after a severe knee injury has cast an even darker shadow over Gabriel Martinelli's conduct, which has been widely condemned as "shameful."

The Brazilian player clashed with Liverpool's defender during the final moments of Thursday's goalless stalemate at the Emirates Stadium. As Arsenal desperately sought a late winner, Bradley stopped play by collapsing on the sideline while grasping his knee. Martinelli showed little compassion.

After initially tossing the ball onto the fallen defender, Arsenal's number 11 made the ill-judged decision to try pushing him off the field in a bid to quickly resume play. This only succeeded in triggering a massive confrontation that delayed the game even more.

Liverpool's squad was understandably furious at Martinelli's blatant disrespect toward their injured colleague, who required a stretcher to leave the field as it became clear this was no act.

Bradley was seen using crutches with his left knee secured in a support brace while departing the venue. Slot couldn't provide a definitive assessment of the Northern Ireland player's condition, but cautioned that it "appears concerning."

"We must await the scan results to determine the severity," Slot admitted. "However, it looks troubling if Conor has sustained the injury we suspect he might have."

Despite this, the Dutch manager showed remarkable understanding toward the incident's perpetrator.

Slot Supports Remorseful Martinelli

"I'm unfamiliar with Gabriel Martinelli personally, but he seems like a decent person," the remarkably composed Liverpool manager observed.

"I'm completely certain that had he understood the severity of the injury, he would never have acted that way," Slot maintained. "I believe his issue—and it's a widespread problem in football—is that there's excessive time-wasting and players feigning injuries in the closing stages and throughout matches, so you can become frustrated when trying to score a goal and suspect a player is deliberately delaying.

"You can't expect Martinelli to think rationally in the 94th minute."

After having time to reflect following the heated encounter, Martinelli disclosed on social media that he had immediately contacted Bradley.

"Conor and I have exchanged messages and I've already offered my apologies," Martinelli posted on Instagram. "I genuinely didn't realize he was seriously hurt in that intense moment. I want to express my sincere regret for my reaction.

"Wishing Conor all the best for a speedy recovery."

Arsenal's Mikel Arteta was equally swift to vouch for the 24-year-old's character. "Knowing Gabi, anyone who knows Gabi understands he's an exceptionally kind person and likely didn't comprehend what occurred," the Spanish manager stated. "I hope Conor recovers well. I'll speak with him now to clarify the situation, but he probably didn't grasp what happened."

Criticism of 'Foolish' Martinelli

While those on the sidelines could rationally accept Martinelli's mistakes, that same level of restraint wasn't found elsewhere.

Sky Sports analyst Gary Neville was first to voice his immediate displeasure, calling the Arsenal forward a "fool" for his behavior which, in his opinion, deserved retaliation. "I'm genuinely angry with Martinelli, I don't understand how the Liverpool players didn't go over and absolutely strike him honestly and accept a red card. Completely shameful, that," he raged.

Roy Keane, serving as a pundit for the same network, compared the situation to when Alf-Inge Haaland (Erling's father) stood over him after a tackle that caused him a severe knee injury. "I didn't appreciate it," the former Manchester United skipper said regarding the Martinelli episode. "It occurred to me when I was seriously injured and a player towered over me, and it's unacceptable.

"First throwing the ball at him, then he gives him a little nudge with his knee trying to force him off. I'm shocked the Liverpool players didn't respond more aggressively to Martinelli. I consider that conduct absolutely disgraceful. Terrible scenes."