Ex-referee Makes 'Surprising' Claim After Conor Bradley Injury - 'Good Point to Raise'

Liverpool defender Conor Bradley faces a devastating blow, ruled out for the rest of the season due to a significant knee injury sustained during Thursday's tense 0-0 Premier League draw at Arsenal's Emirates Stadium.[1][2][4]

The 22-year-old right-back collapsed in stoppage time while attempting a clearance, landing awkwardly and requiring a stretcher to leave the pitch. Scans confirmed damage to ligaments and bone in his left knee—avoiding a full ACL tear but necessitating surgery with no firm return timeline. Liverpool head coach Arne Slot admitted the club "feared the worst," calling it a huge setback amid existing defensive injuries to Giovanni Leoni (ACL) and others.[1][2][4]

The incident sparked controversy when Arsenal's Gabriel Martinelli threw the ball at the downed Bradley and shoved him toward the sideline to restart play, igniting a pitch-side scuffle. Pundits like Gary Neville labeled it "disgraceful," surprised referee Anthony Taylor issued only a yellow card instead of red. Martinelli apologized publicly on Instagram and privately to Bradley, claiming he mistook it for time-wasting in the heat of the moment. The FA deemed no further punishment necessary, as the referee handled it on-field.[3][5][6]

Ex-referee Keith Hackett made a 'surprising' claim on Sky Sports' Ref Watch, defending Martinelli's intent: "In the heat of a late-game frenzy, it's not obvious how serious the injury is—Bradley went down off-ball, and Arsenal needed a goal. Pushing to clear the pitch is poor form but not malicious; a yellow was right. Liverpool players piling in complicated it for Taylor." Co-panellists agreed it's a "good point to raise" on player welfare versus game flow, noting Bradley's visible distress was clearer in hindsight.[2][3][6]

Liverpool teammate Dominik Szoboszlai stressed Bradley wasn't time-wasting, prioritizing welfare. Slot praised Martinelli's response, focusing on Bradley's recovery. The injury also sidelines Bradley for Northern Ireland's World Cup playoff.[3][2]

This leaves Arne Slot's defense critically thin, testing squad depth in a packed schedule.[4]

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