‘Idiot’ – Gary Neville says Gabriel Martinelli should’ve been sent off for ‘disgraceful’ act on injured Liverpool star Conor Bradley

Gabriel Martinelli has been widely criticised for trying to shove an injured Conor Bradley off the pitch during Arsenal’s draw with Liverpool.

The incident resulted in a scuffle between players from both sides as Gabriel Martinelli’s reaction angered the Reds stars.

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Bradley had had gone down close to the touchline as he made a clearance, with concern quickly shown for the defender.

However, as the Liverpool medical team ran on, Martinelli attempted to shove him off the pitch.

His antics drew an immediate reaction from the visitors, with players from both sides quickly involved in a melee.

Ibrahima Konate was amongst those incensed by the Brazilian, who also dropped the ball on Bradley.

Once tempers were cooled, Bradley was stretchered off and replaced by Joe Gomez.

Meanwhile, Martinelli was shown a yellow card by referee Anthony Taylor, with Konate also cautioned for his reaction.

Gary Neville believes it should’ve been a different colour card aimed at Martinelli as he slammed the Gunners winger.

Speaking on Sky Sports’ coverage, he exclaimed: “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.”

The former Manchester United defender even went as far as labelling Martinelli an ‘idiot’ for pushing the stricken Bradley.

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Following the match, Roy Keane added: “I didn’t like it at all… I had it when someone was stood over me.

“I think that behaviour from Martinelli was a disgrace, hopefully he’ll apologise for it.”

He continued: “You don’t know the injury the player’s got and you try to push him off the pitch!”

Meanwhile, Neville remained angry over what he had seen, later admitting: “I’m actually fuming with Martinelli.

“Honestly, I don’t know how the Liverpool players didn’t go over there and whack him, to be honest with you and take a red card. Absolutely disgraceful, that.”

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta came out in defence of Martinelli, as he said: “Probably he doesn’t know because knowing Gabi, there is zero intention.

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“I don’t know what happened to Conor, but hopefully it’s not bad, but obviously, there is no intention from Gabi to do anything bad to him.”

‘Classless’

Jason Cundy is of the same view as Neville and Keane as he slammed Martinelli for his ‘classless’ act.

The talkSPORT co-host said on The Sports Bar: “I thought it was a disgrace from Martinelli. Honestly, that is so unnecessary.

“I know what he’s thinking. He thinks Bradley is wasting time. It’s a red card, by the way. It’s two yellows.

“He throws the ball at him and then he tries to manhandle him off the pitch. The boy’s career could be in the balance.

“Absolutely disgusting. Disgusting from Martinelli. Classless, absolutely classless.

“And the Liverpool players, I saw Konate get involved. Honestly, if I was a Liverpool fan there, I would be absolutely raging. I was amazed that Liverpool players didn’t get more involved.

“But I hope and that Bradley’s (injury), it’s not as serious as it might be. But for Martinelli there, utterly classless.”

Despite their lacklustre performance, Arsenal extended their lead at the top of the table with Thursday’s goalless draw.

Neither side was able to find a breakthrough in north London, although Liverpool did hit the bar in the first half.

Bradley capitalised on a defensive mix-up as a poor clearance from David Raya landed at his feet on the edge of the box.

With the Gunners keeper off his line, though, the Northern Irishman’s attempted lob bounced out off the underside of the bar.

Arsenal are now six points clear of Manchester City and Aston Villa at the top of the table.

Their unbeaten home record in all competitions this season also remains intact.

Meanwhile, Liverpool are in fourth place, 14 points adrift of their opponents.

The reigning champions have a two-point cushion to fifth-placed Brentford after 21 matches of the season.