Arsenal winger Gabriel Martinelli will not face any further ban following a controversial confrontation with Liverpool defender Conor Bradley during Arsenal’s recent 0-0 Premier League draw at the Emirates Stadium. Despite widespread debate and calls for retrospective action, the Football Association (FA) has confirmed that the Brazilian will only keep the yellow card he received on the pitch and will not be suspended.
The episode unfolded in the final minutes of the match when Bradley suffered a serious knee injury and was lying on the ground. Martinelli, eager to restart play, dropped the ball near him and tried to push him off the field, a decision that provoked strong reactions from players, pundits and fans.
Following the incident, Martinelli took to Instagram to express his regret. He said he hadn’t realised the extent of Bradley’s injury at the time and that he had already reached out to apologise directly to the Liverpool full-back.
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta defended his player, acknowledging the intensity of the moment and insisting there was no malicious intent behind Martinelli’s actions, while Liverpool boss Arne Slot also offered a measured perspective on the situation.
Although the incident sparked heated debate online and among experts — with some insisting the forward should have faced stricter punishment — the FA’s decision means Martinelli will remain eligible for selection without any additional ban beyond the on-field booking.
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