In a tense Premier League clash marked by injury and controversy, Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk has staunchly defended his teammates’ angry reaction after Arsenal’s Gabriel Martinelli pushed the injured Conor Bradley off the pitch during stoppage time.
The incident, which has drawn sharp criticism from pundits and prompted a public apology from Martinelli, overshadowed a goalless draw at the Emirates Stadium that left Arsenal six points clear at the top of the table.
The flashpoint occurred in the 94th minute as Bradley, the Liverpool right-back, fell to the ground while challenging for a ball, appearing to suffer a serious injury to his left knee. Arsenal winger Gabriel Martinelli, in what he later called the “heat of the moment,” first threw the ball at the prone defender and then attempted to shove him off the playing surface as the home team sought a late winner.
Liverpool players, including Alexis Mac Allister and Ibrahima Konate, immediately rushed to confront Martinelli, leading to a brief melee. The Brazilian received a yellow card from referee Anthony Taylor for his actions.
Van Dijk, speaking after the match, expressed the collective outrage of the Liverpool squad. “Everyone was unhappy at that moment,” the captain stated. “It wasn’t a couple of players, but everyone, and rightly so because Conor was on the pitch and to be pushing him off the pitch is not really a good sight.”
He further emphasized the disturbing nature of the act, saying, “We all came together. And we had no clue what really happened, but it doesn’t look great, and it doesn’t look great on Martinelli either.” The primary concern for Liverpool now is the wellbeing of Bradley, who was stretchered off and left the stadium on crutches with his knee in a supportive brace.
Manager Arne Slot confirmed the club fears a significant injury, with medical scans pending.
In response to the widespread condemnation, which included Sky Sports pundit Roy Keane labelling his behaviour “an absolute disgrace,” Martinelli issued a public apology via Instagram on Friday. “Conor and I have messaged and I have already apologised to him,” the Arsenal forward wrote. “I really didn’t understand he was seriously injured in the heat of the moment. I want to say I’m deeply sorry for reacting.”
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta had earlier defended his player’s character, insisting, “Knowing Gabi, he’s an incredible, lovely guy, and he probably didn’t realise what happened.” The Football Association has confirmed Martinelli will face no further retrospective punishment, as the incident was dealt with by the referee at the time.
The controversy diverted attention from a match of significant title implications. The draw extended Arsenal’s lead over Manchester City to six points, while Liverpool, the defending champions, remain 14 points adrift in what Van Dijk admitted has been a frustrating season.
“We are in a position where we don’t want to be,” he conceded. “It has been a very inconsistent and difficult season so far… Consistency is the key to being successful and that has been proven. That is what we had last year and unfortunately in that sense we haven’t been good enough.”
Despite the disappointment, Van Dijk voiced confidence in the team’s ability to rebound, stating, “The only ones that can turn it around is us, with the manager, and that is what we work hard on each and every day.”