Evening Standard
·8 January 2026
'Idiot': Gary Neville and Roy Keane blast 'disgraceful' Arsenal star following Liverpool draw

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·8 January 2026

Gabriel Martinelli caused a flashpoint during the goalless draw between Arsenal and Liverpool
Gary Neville branded Gabriel Martinelli an “idiot”, and Roy Keane labelled the Arsenal forward “disgraceful” for his actions towards Liverpool defender Conor Bradley.
In an otherwise forgettable goalless draw at the Emirates Stadium, the big flashpoint came in second half stoppage time when Bradley landed awkwardly following an attempted clearance.
Then, as the stricken Northern Ireland international lay on the pitch awaiting to be treated by the Liverpool medical staff, things turned ugly when Arsenal Martinelli threw the ball at the defender.
Moments later, Martinelli attempted to push Bradley off the pitch for play to resume.
Watching on from his commentary position at the Emirates Stadium, Neville ripped into the Brazilian by saying: “You cannot push him off the pitch, you cannot do that, you idiot.
"I am surprised one of the Liverpool players hasn't gone over and had a right pop at him. I think an apology is needed.
"I'm fuming with Martinelli, I don't know how a Liverpool player didn't go and whack him and take the red card. Absolutely disgraceful."

Conor Bradley was taken off on a stretcher in Liverpool’s goalless draw with Arsenal
Liverpool FC via Getty Images
Neville’s words were echoed by Roy Keane in the Sky Sports studio as he said: "I didn't like it at all. Happened to me once before.
"It's not good. First of all, throwing the ball at him, standing over him. He's got a bit of a knee in him, he's trying to force him off.
"I think that behaviour is an absolute disgrace.
"I'm surprised the Liverpool players didn't go after him a little bit more. He's a good boy to roll around himself, not good scenes, hopefully he'll look at it and hopefully apologise for it"
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