Arsenal’s Gabriel Martinelli issued a formal apology on Friday, January 9, 2026, following an incident with Liverpool’s Conor Bradley during their 0-0 draw at the Emirates Stadium.
The incident occurred in the 94th minute when Bradley collapsed with a non-contact knee injury. Martinelli, believing the defender was time-wasting, dropped the ball on Bradley and attempted to shove him off the pitch to restart play.
The Arsenal star took to his Instagram page to address the criticism that led fans and other platforms to label his action “disgraceful”. He clarified the situation by saying: 
“Cnor and I’ve messaged… I’ve already 𝐚𝐩𝐨𝐥𝐨𝐠𝐢𝐬𝐞𝐝 to him. I really didn’t understand he was seriously injured in the heat of the moment”, Martinelli has stated.
“I want to say 𝐈’𝐦 𝐝𝐞𝐞𝐩𝐥𝐲 𝐬𝐨𝐫𝐫𝐲 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠. Sending Conor all my very best again for a quick recovery”.
In the midst of Gabriel Martinelli’s apology, the situation for Conor Bradley still remains serious. Liverpool manager Arne Slot also confirmed that the 22-year-old player had to leave the stadium on crutches with a supportive brace on his knee.
The Liverpool boss also admitted his fears following the incident, saying, “I fear the worst.” Medical staff are all concerned that the injury may be a potential ACL tear,, and that could end Bradley’s season.
Despite the tension, Slot defended Martinelli’s character, noting, “I’m 100 per cent sure that if he knew what the injury might be, he would never do that.”
