Gabriel Martinelli was branded an "idiot" by Gary Neville following a heated confrontation during the closing moments of Arsenal's goalless draw against Liverpool.
The incident occurred deep into stoppage time when the Brazilian winger forcefully pushed injured Liverpool defender Conor Bradley off the playing surface.
"You can't push him off the pitch," an incensed Neville declared. "You cannot do that. You idiot. That is so poor."
The former Manchester United defender expressed his fury at the Arsenal substitute's actions, stating he was "actually fuming with Martinelli" and questioning why Liverpool's players had not reacted more forcefully.
"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," Neville added.
Bradley had twisted the lower portion of his left leg after clearing the ball forward, collapsing to the ground in visible distress near the touchline.
Martinelli appeared to throw the ball at the stricken Northern Irish defender before gesturing to referee Anthony Taylor that Bradley should move off the pitch to allow play to resume.
Gabriel Martinelli sparked fury with his actions in Arsenal's goalless draw with Liverpool
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When Bradley remained on the ground, the Arsenal winger shoved him in an attempt to force him off the field, apparently causing further pain to the injured player.
Liverpool's squad reacted furiously, with Dominik Szoboszlai and Alexis Mac Allister charging towards Martinelli.
The Brazilian received a yellow card for his actions, while Ibrahima Konate was also cautioned after pushing the winger.
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Roy Keane was equally scathing in his assessment, describing Martinelli's behaviour as "an absolute disgrace" during his analysis on Sky Sports.
The former Manchester United captain drew parallels with his own experience, recalling when Alf-Inge Haaland stood over him after he had ruptured his cruciate ligament during a Leeds match in 1997.
"I didn't like it. It happened to me once before when I was badly injured with a player stood over me," Keane explained.
"He has thrown the ball at him, stood over him and got a little knee in the head."
Szoboszlai offered his perspective after the match, acknowledging the desire to win but insisting "the health of a player is more important."
Gabriel Martinelli was fortunate to escape a red card in Arsenal's draw with Liverpool
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Former Liverpool striker Daniel Sturridge called the incident "worse than disrespectful," urging players to show greater self-awareness when opponents are injured.
Martinelli subsequently took to Instagram to apologise, revealing he had already been in contact with Bradley directly.
"Conor and I have messaged and I have already apologised to him. I really didn't understand he was seriously injured in the heat of the moment," the winger wrote.
"I want to say I'm deeply sorry for reacting. Sending Conor all the best again for a quick recovery."
Liverpool manager Arne Slot offered a measured response, suggesting Martinelli would never have acted that way had he understood the severity of the injury, whilst acknowledging "it doesn't look great."
Mikel Arteta defended his player's character, describing him as "an incredibly lovely guy" who "probably didn't recognise what happened," adding that he intended to speak with Bradley personally.