Gabriel Martinelli will avoid further FA punishment after apologizing for pushing an injured Conor Bradley during Arsenal’s scoreless draw with Liverpool.
Arsenal’s Gabriel Martinelli is not expected to face retrospective disciplinary action following a physical altercation with Liverpool’s Conor Bradley during Thursday’s 0-0 draw.
After Bradley suffered a serious knee injury in stoppage time, Martinelli attempted to push the defender off the pitch to resume play.
Because referee Anthony Taylor witnessed the incident and issued a yellow card at the time, the Football Association is unlikely to pursue further sanctions against the Brazilian international.
Bradley was eventually stretchered off and seen leaving the Emirates Stadium on crutches.
Following the match, Martinelli issued a public apology via social media, clarifying that he was unaware of the injury’s severity.
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta defended his player’s character while acknowledging the need for a discussion, stating: “Knowing Gabi, if anybody knows Gabi, he’s an incredible, lovely guy, and probably he didn’t realise what happened.”
Liverpool manager Arne Slot expressed sympathy for Martinelli’s frustration regarding modern time-wasting tactics, despite fearing a long-term layoff for Bradley.
Slot suggested that the high-stakes environment contributed to the misunderstanding, noting: “I’m 100 per cent sure that if he knew what the injury might be that he would never do (what he did).”
The Reds now await scan results to confirm the extent of Bradley’s knee damage.