Gary Neville’s commentary on Gabriel Martinelli sparked a record 576 Ofcom complaints after he suggested Liverpool players should have “whacked” the Arsenal forward for his conduct toward an injured opponent.
Broadcasting regulator Ofcom has received 576 complaints following Gary Neville’s controversial commentary during Sky Sports’ coverage of the Arsenal versus Liverpool match.
The complaints specifically target Neville’s heated reaction to Arsenal forward Gabriel Martinelli, who attempted to push an injured Conor Bradley off the pitch.
The incident occurred during last Thursday’s 0-0 draw at the Emirates Stadium, shortly before Bradley was stretchered off with a season-ending knee injury requiring surgery.
Neville’s remarks on air sparked immediate backlash from viewers. Expressing his anger at the situation, the former Manchester United defender stated:
“You can’t push him off the pitch. You cannot do that. That is so poor. An apology is needed. Bradley is being stretchered off. I’m fuming with Martinelli to be honest.”
He further suggested that Liverpool players should have retaliated physically, sparking the majority of the complaints regarding the incitement of violence.
Continuing his critique, Neville added: “I don’t know how the Liverpool players didn’t go over and absolutely whack him to be honest with you and take a red card. Absolutely disgraceful, that.”
The volume of complaints was the highest recorded for any program between January 6 and 12.
While Martinelli has since issued a post-match apology, the regulator must now determine if Neville’s rhetoric breached broadcasting standards regarding offensive or harmful content.