The Football Association has determined that Arsenal forward Gabriel Martinelli will not face any retrospective disciplinary action following a contentious late-game incident involving Liverpool defender Conor Bradley during their goalless Premier League draw on Thursday, according to widespread reports.
The decision, based on the FA’s established disciplinary protocol, means the yellow card shown by on-field referee Anthony Taylor is considered the final adjudication of the matter. An FA policy generally prevents retrospective action on incidents that match officials have seen and dealt with at the time.
A source indicated that “the Football Association felt on-field referee Anthony Taylor dealt with the situation appropriately,” and that the yellow card was a sufficient response.
The flashpoint occurred deep into second-half stoppage time at the Emirates Stadium. Bradley fell awkwardly while clearing the ball near the touchline, appearing to sustain a significant knee injury.
As the Liverpool defender lay on the ground, Martinelli approached, dropped the ball on him, and subsequently grabbed Bradley by the shoulder and neck in an attempt to push him off the pitch so play could resume. The act provoked an immediate confrontation between players from both sides.
In the aftermath, Martinelli moved quickly to apologise, posting a statement on social media where he said he had privately messaged Bradley. “I really didn’t understand he was seriously injured in the heat of the moment,” Martinelli wrote. “I want to say I’m deeply sorry for reacting. Sending Conor all my best again for a quick recovery”.
Liverpool manager Arne Slot struck a conciliatory tone, suggesting the intense pressure of the match and a wider culture of time-wasting in football contributed to the misunderstanding. “I think the problem for him is, and it’s a problem in general in football, that there is so much time-wasting and players pretending they are injured in the final parts of the game,” Slot said.
He added, “I’m 100 per cent sure that if he knew what the injury might be that he would never do (what he did)”.
The incident drew sharp criticism from several high-profile pundits. Sky Sports analyst Roy Keane labelled Martinelli’s behaviour “an absolute disgrace”, while fellow commentator Gary Neville expressed astonishment that Liverpool players did not react more aggressively in the moment.
However, former Premier League referee Dermot Gallagher supported the officiating outcome, stating he did not believe the shove warranted a red card and that the subsequent player melee may have inadvertently helped Martinelli avoid a harsher sanction during the game.
With the FA’s decision finalised, the focus now shifts entirely to Bradley’s recovery. The Liverpool defender left the stadium on crutches and wearing a knee brace, with manager Slot confirming the player would undergo scans while admitting he “fears the worst” for the right-back’s prognosis.
Martinelli, having avoided a ban, remains available for selection as Arsenal continues its Premier League campaign.