Martinelli in the clear after Bradley incident | OneFootball

Gabriel Martinelli is not expected to face any further disciplinary action from the Football Association following an incident involving Liverpool defender Conor Bradley during Thursday night’s Premier League draw.

The Arsenal winger appeared to shove Bradley off the pitch late in stoppage time of the goalless encounter. The 22-year-old full-back had landed awkwardly near the touchline while attempting to clear the ball and was visibly in pain, clutching his knee as he went to ground. Martinelli, 24, dropped the ball onto Bradley, who then edged back onto the pitch. The Brazilian subsequently grabbed the Northern Ireland international by the shoulder and neck and pushed him back towards the sideline.

Referee Anthony Taylor issued Martinelli with a yellow card for the incident. As the on-field official dealt with the matter during the match, no retrospective punishment from the FA is anticipated.

Bradley later received treatment before being stretchered off, leaving the stadium on crutches with his left knee supported by a brace.

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta confirmed after full time that he would speak with Martinelli, who later issued an apology on social media, explaining he was unaware of the seriousness of Bradley’s injury.

“Knowing Gabi, if anybody knows Gabi, he’s an incredible, lovely guy, and probably he didn’t realise what happened,” Arteta told a post-match press conference. “I will have a word with him now to understand that, but probably he didn’t recognise what happened.”

The flashpoint sparked a brief confrontation between players from both sides, with Martinelli and Liverpool centre-back Ibrahima Konate each shown yellow cards.

“Conor and l have messaged and l’ve already apologised to him,” Martinelli wrote on Instagram. “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.”

Liverpool head coach Arne Slot later confirmed Bradley will undergo scans to assess the extent of the injury, admitting he “fears the worst” for the right-back.