Liverpool’s goalless draw with Arsenal at the Emirates may have lacked goals, but it delivered one of the most troubling moments of the season — an incident involving Conor Bradley that continues to spark debate long after the final whistle.
While chances were scarce across the 90 minutes, the spotlight shifted dramatically in stoppage time when Bradley went down injured near the touchline. What followed raised serious concerns among Liverpool fans, players, and pundits alike.
🚨 The Flashpoint That Changed the Mood
As Bradley remained on the ground clearly in pain, Gabriel Martinelli attempted to usher him off the pitch, a move that immediately drew criticism. The Arsenal winger was shown a yellow card, but the moment quickly overshadowed the rest of the match and became the dominant post-match talking point.
Many questioned whether the booking was sufficient, especially given Bradley’s visible discomfort and the nature of the contact.
🎙️ Ref Watch Delivers a Clear — But Controversial — View
The incident was later reviewed on Sky Sports News’ Ref Watch, with former Premier League referee Dermot Gallagher offering his professional assessment alongside ex-striker Jay Boothroyd.
When asked if Martinelli could still face retrospective punishment, Gallagher was firm in his response.
According to him, further action is unlikely because the Arsenal forward was already cautioned during the match. However, Gallagher did not defend Martinelli’s behaviour, describing it as a poor decision made in the heat of the moment.
He also highlighted that the episode was not a single action, but rather a sequence of events — including throwing the ball down, nudging Bradley with a knee, and finally pushing him.
Gallagher noted that while it’s uncommon, referees can issue multiple yellow cards for separate actions within the same stoppage — something that will only deepen Liverpool’s frustration.
😟 Why Liverpool Are So Concerned
What has amplified the anger around the decision is Bradley’s condition afterward. Footage later surfaced showing the Liverpool defender leaving the stadium on crutches, wearing a knee brace and supported by club staff — a sight that instantly raised alarm bells.
Liverpool head coach Arne Slot addressed the situation after the match, offering a bleak initial outlook.
“I fear the worst for Conor Bradley,” he admitted, while also stressing that injured players should not be pressured to move before receiving proper treatment.
🔍 A Big Blow at a Bad Time?
On a night when positives were hard to find, Bradley had been one of Liverpool’s standout performers. He even came within inches of scoring in the first half, rattling the crossbar with a clever chipped effort.
Now, however, attention has shifted entirely to his fitness. With Liverpool already stretched in the full-back positions, any extended absence for Bradley could have serious implications in the weeks ahead.
For now, the club and its supporters await a full medical update — but the officials’ handling of the incident is unlikely to be forgotten anytime soon.
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