Arsenal star 'deeply sorry' as he issues apology after pushing injured player in Liverpool draw

The incident sparked fury among Liverpool's squad and resulted in a yellow card for the Arsenal forward.

Bradley was subsequently stretchered from the pitch and departed the stadium requiring crutches, his left knee encased in a protective brace.

Now, Martinelli has expressed remorse for his actions.

"Conor and I have messaged and I have already apologised to him," he said.

The Brazil international also acknowledged he failed to grasp the seriousness of Bradley's condition amid the tension of the match's final moments.

"I really didn't understand he was seriously injured in the heat of the moment," he wrote. "I want to say I'm deeply sorry for reacting."

He concluded his message by wishing the 22-year-old Northern Irish full-back a speedy recovery.

Bradley had enjoyed an impressive first half, rattling the crossbar with a strike that came agonisingly close to breaking the deadlock.

📸 - Martinelli was pushing his knee in the back of Bradley to get him out of the pitch, and then he started pushing him. pic.twitter.com/lJ0M8Tmsxj

— The Touchline | 𝐓 (@TouchlineX) January 8, 2026

Former Manchester United skipper Roy Keane offered a scathing assessment on Sky Sports, branding Martinelli "a disgrace" for his conduct.

Mikel Arteta leapt to his player's defence before the Instagram apology emerged, describing the Brazilian as "an incredible, lovely guy" who likely did not comprehend what had occurred.

"I hope that Conor is well, I will have a word with him to understand that," the Arsenal manager said.

"Probably (Martinelli) didn't recognise what happened."

Liverpool boss Arne Slot expressed grave concern over his defender's fitness, declaring: "I fear the worst for Conor Bradley."

The Dutchman confirmed scans would determine the extent of the damage after Bradley was removed on a stretcher.

However, Slot showed sympathy for Martinelli's predicament, noting the prevalence of time-wasting in football often leads players to assume opponents are feigning injury.

"I'm a hundred per cent sure that if he knew what the injury might be, he would never do that," Slot added.

Bradley's injury appears set to sideline him for a considerable period, cutting short what had been an encouraging performance against the Gunners.

The stalemate at the Emirates has significant ramifications for the title race, with Arsenal extending their advantage over Manchester City to six points.

Liverpool now find themselves trailing Arteta's side by 14 points, leaving their hopes of a fifth consecutive league crown in serious jeopardy.

Both teams will now turn their attentions towards the FA Cup, with that competition set to commence this weekend.