Martinelli cleared of further action for Bradley incident as FA deems yellow card sufficient
Gabriel Martinelli is set to avoid any further disciplinary action following the late flashpoint involving Liverpool defender Conor Bradley during Arsenal’s goalless Premier League draw on Thursday night.
The Football Association is not expected to pursue retrospective punishment because referee Anthony Taylor dealt with the incident during the match.
Martinelli was shown a yellow card in stoppage time after attempting to move Bradley off the pitch as the Liverpool full-back lay injured near the touchline.
Bradley had landed awkwardly while trying to clear the ball and immediately showed signs of discomfort, clutching his knee as play stopped.
As Arsenal pushed for a late winner, Martinelli dropped the ball near the defender and then briefly grabbed him by the shoulder and neck to move him back towards the sideline.
The action sparked an immediate confrontation between players from both sides, with Ibrahima Konaté also booked amid the melee.
Because the referee saw the incident and took action at the time, the FA considers the matter closed under its disciplinary framework.
Bradley received treatment on the pitch before being taken off on a stretcher and later left the stadium on crutches wearing a brace on his left knee.
Arsenal head coach Mikel Arteta moved quickly to defuse the situation after full time, stressing that Martinelli had not realised the seriousness of the injury.
Arteta described the forward as an “incredible, lovely guy” and suggested the reaction came in the heat of a highly emotional moment.
Martinelli later issued a public apology on social media after contacting Bradley directly to express his regret.
The Arsenal winger said he did not understand the severity of the injury at the time and apologised for his reaction.
Liverpool head coach Arne Slot confirmed Bradley will undergo scans to assess the extent of the damage and admitted he fears the injury could be serious.
Slot also played down the idea of malicious intent, pointing to the wider issue of time-wasting and feigned injuries late in matches.
He said he was convinced Martinelli would not have acted as he did had he known the full situation.
The incident overshadowed the closing stages of a tense contest in which Arsenal missed the chance to strengthen their position at the top end of the table.
Martinelli remains available for selection and the club expect the episode to be considered closed from a disciplinary standpoint.
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