Arsenal Legend Defends Martinelli After Controversial Shove
Former Arsenal defender Martin Keown has launched a staunch defence of Gabriel Martinelli and launched a scathing attack on fellow pundit Gary Neville. The row stems from a dramatic incident in the dying moments of Arsenal's goalless Premier League draw with Liverpool at the Emirates Stadium on Thursday, January 8, 2026.
The heavyweight clash, which saw the reigning champions hold the league leaders, was short on clear chances but exploded into controversy during stoppage time. With Arsenal pushing for a winner, Liverpool's Conor Bradley went down injured by the touchline after playing the ball out.
Gabriel Martinelli, showing little sympathy, threw the ball at the prone defender before forcefully pushing him off the pitch to allow play to continue. The Brazilian forward later apologised, stating he had 'misunderstood' the situation, especially after it was revealed Bradley had suffered a serious knee injury ending his season.
Neville's 'Fuming' On-Air Outburst
On Sky Sports' commentary, Gary Neville did not hold back in his condemnation of Martinelli's actions. "You cannot do that. You idiot. That is so poor," Neville said. "I am actually fuming with Martinelli. I don't know how the Liverpool players didn't go over and absolutely whack him... Absolutely disgraceful."
Neville expressed surprise that no Liverpool player retaliated and stated clearly that he believed an apology was necessary from the Arsenal star.
Keown Fires Back: 'He Was Just Bored'
Responding to Neville's comments on talkSPORT, Martin Keown delivered a blistering rebuttal. He dismissed Neville's opinion outright and suggested the former Manchester United defender was merely stirring controversy.
"I don't really give a hoot what Gary Neville says," Keown told host Jim White. "He's just trying to inflame the situation when he's got nothing else to do in the commentary position. He was bored, it wasn't a great game and he was making that the narrative."
Keown suggested that if Neville were his colleague, he would have corrected him, pointing out that Martinelli had already apologised and the matter should end there.
He defended Martinelli's character, describing him as "one of the nicest people I've met in football" and argued the player simply misread a tense situation. Keown believes Martinelli thought Bradley was feigning injury to waste time, a view shaped by earlier moments in the match where Arsenal did not put the ball out for Liverpool's Jeremie Frimpong.
Keown's defence was bolstered by Martinelli's immediate response on the pitch. The forward silenced critics by scoring a first senior hat-trick for Arsenal in their FA Cup third-round victory over Portsmouth on Sunday, January 11, helping his team come from a goal down to win 3-1.
The incident has sparked fierce debate among fans and pundits alike, highlighting the intense pressure and quick judgments that define the modern football landscape.
