Premier League game receives hundreds of Ofcom complaints following 'disgraceful' on-pitch actions

His actions have since been labelled as "disgraceful" by Gary Neville.

The Arsenal forward has since apologised publicly and to Bradley, explaining that he was unaware that the right back was seriously injured.

Martinelli's apology read: "Conor and I have messaged and I’ve already apologised to him.

"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."

The 576 complaints are significantly higher than the number of complaints Ofcom receives for shows.

The Northern Ireland international, 22, was carried off in the closing stages of the Reds’ goalless draw at Premier League leaders Arsenal last Thursday.

He faces a race to recover in time for this summer’s World Cup, should his country qualify through the play-offs.

The right-back, who has 30 caps for Northern Ireland, has made 21 Liverpool appearances this season, having missed a number of matches with a hamstring problem.

Speaking on the incident, Neville said: "You can’t push him off the pitch. You cannot do that.

"That is so poor. I think an apology is needed.

"Bradley is being stretchered off. I’m fuming with Martinelli to be honest. Disgraceful.

"I’m surprised a Liverpool player hasn’t gone over and whacked Martinelli there!"

Arne Slot was more understanding of the circumstances, defending Martinelli’s actions.

He said: "I am 100 per cent sure that if he knew what the injury might be that he would never do that.

"But it doesn’t look great if he has the injury that we fear he might have. We fear the worst for Conor.

"But football, time wasting, diving has come to the situation that players think in the 94th minute that is probably happening again."

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