The goalless draw between Arsenal and Liverpool may have ended without goals, but it certainly didn’t end without controversy.
Late in the match, tempers flared after Liverpool youngster Conor Bradley went down holding his knee near the touchline. As play paused, Arsenal winger Gabriel Martinelli appeared frustrated and eager to restart the game. In a moment that quickly went viral, Martinelli dropped the ball onto the injured Bradley and attempted to move him off the pitch — a move that instantly angered Liverpool players and supporters.
Referee’s Call and Immediate Fallout 🚨
Match official Anthony Taylor responded by showing Martinelli a yellow card, calming the situation before it escalated further. However, fans across social media were not satisfied, with many demanding stronger punishment for what they described as “unsporting behaviour.”
PGMOL’s Final Verdict 🏛️
After reviewing the incident, PGMOL made it clear that no further action would be taken against the Arsenal forward. The reason? The referee had already dealt with the situation during the match. Under current laws, once an incident has been punished on the field, it cannot be retrospectively upgraded unless it was completely missed.
This ruling means no suspension, no fine, and no additional disciplinary measures for Martinelli — a decision that has split opinion across the football world.
Mixed Reactions From Fans and Pundits 🤔
While some argue that the yellow card was enough given the heat of the moment, others believe the act crossed a line, especially considering Bradley was later confirmed to have suffered a genuine injury.
Adding a human touch to the saga, Martinelli later issued an apology, explaining that he did not realise the extent of Bradley’s injury and expressing regret over how he handled the situation.
Final Thoughts 💭
The incident has once again reignited debate around player conduct, referee authority, and whether football’s disciplinary rules are strict enough. One thing is certain — moments like these don’t disappear quietly, especially when emotions run high in big-game clashes.
🔥 What do you think? Was the punishment fair, or should Martinelli have faced stronger consequences? Let us know in the comments!
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