Gabriel Martinelli has issued an apology after facing criticism for his actions during Arsenal’s goalless draw with Liverpool.
The Brazilian forward was criticized for moving Conor Bradley, a Liverpool defender, while he was down injured late in the game.
This incident quickly went viral on social media, prompting Martinelli to clarify his intentions in an Instagram story.
In the heat of the moment, Martinelli attempted to move Bradley off the pitch to keep the game going. Players and analysts quickly called this move disrespectful, especially given the seriousness of Bradley’s injury.
Photo by Marc Atkins/Getty Images
Martinelli’s Apology Following Liverpool Incident
After the match, Bradley was taken off the field on a stretcher and left the Emirates on crutches. Martinelli addressed the situation on Instagram, stating: “Conor and I have messaged, and I have already apologized to him. I really didn’t realize he was seriously injured at that moment.”
He continued, “I want to say I’m deeply sorry for my reaction. Sending Conor all my best for a quick recovery.”
His remarks indicate that the incident was a misunderstanding rather than an intentional act.
Martinelli reportedly reached out to Bradley privately soon after the game to apologize, with many praising him for taking responsibility.
Reactions from Fans and Pundits
Although Martinelli’s apology somewhat eased the backlash, discussions persisted about whether his actions could have been avoided.
Some pundits criticized the forward for showing a lack of awareness, while others noted the pressure of the moment. Both Mikel Arteta and Arne Slot defended Martinelli, stating that there was no intent to disrespect.
Arteta mentioned that emotions can sometimes cloud judgment in tense matches, adding that Martinelli “didn’t realize how serious it was.” Slot echoed this sentiment, noting that his players had accepted the apology and moved on.
The match ended in a 0-0 draw, keeping Arsenal at the top of the Premier League, but it felt like a missed opportunity to widen their lead.
Bradley will undergo further checks after leaving the stadium in noticeable discomfort, but Liverpool has confirmed that initial scans showed no significant ligament damage.
For Martinelli, this apology was a chance to address a rare moment of controversy and show maturity. It also reminded everyone that respect and sportsmanship are vital, even in competitive situations.
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