Gabriel Martinelli has apologised following criticism of his actions during Arsenal’s goalless draw with Liverpool.
The Brazilian forward came under fire after appearing to move Conor Bradley while the Liverpool defender was down injured late in the match.
The incident quickly gained attention on social media, prompting Martinelli to clarify his intentions in a statement posted to his Instagram story.
In the heat of the moment, Martinelli tried to move the Liverpool player off the pitch to allow play to continue. The reaction was immediate, with players and pundits condemning the move as disrespectful, especially given the seriousness of Bradley’s injury.
Gabriel Martinelli’s apology after heated moment vs. Liverpool
The young defender was later stretchered off and left the Emirates on crutches. Martinelli addressed the incident publicly on Instagram, writing: “Conor and I have messaged and I have already apologised to him. I really didn’t understand he was seriously injured in the heat of the moment.
“I want to say I’m deeply sorry for reacting. Sending Conor all my best again for a quick recovery.”
His message made it clear that the incident was a misunderstanding rather than an intentional act.
Martinelli is understood to have contacted Bradley privately soon after the match to apologise, and many fans praised him for taking responsibility.
Mixed reactions from fans and pundits
While Martinelli’s apology helped ease some of the backlash, debate continued over whether his actions could have been avoided.
Some pundits criticised the forward for a lack of awareness, while others pointed to the pressure of the moment as a factor. Both Mikel Arteta and Arne Slot defended Martinelli, insisting there was no intent to disrespect.
Arteta said that emotions can sometimes cloud judgment in high-stakes matches, adding that Martinelli “didn’t realise how bad it was.” Slot echoed those comments, saying his players had accepted the apology and moved on.
The match itself finished 0-0, a result that kept Arsenal top of the Premier League but felt like a missed chance to extend their lead.
Bradley will undergo further assessment after leaving the stadium in visible discomfort, but Liverpool have confirmed that initial scans showed no major ligament damage.
For Martinelli, the apology was an opportunity to address a rare moment of controversy and demonstrate maturity. It also served as a reminder that, even in the most competitive moments, respect and sportsmanship remain crucial.
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