Mikel Arteta sends Arne Slot message over Gabriel Martinelli comments after Conor Bradley injury

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Mikel Arteta has praised Liverpool manager Arne Slot for his measured response to the controversial incident involving Gabriel Martinelli and Conor Bradley, while reiterating that the Arsenal forward had no intention to injure his opponent.[3]

The flashpoint occurred in the closing stages of Arsenal’s goalless draw with Liverpool at the Emirates, when Martinelli threw the ball at Bradley and then attempted to push him off the pitch as the defender lay injured near the touchline.[1][2] Bradley later left the stadium on crutches with a serious knee injury now confirmed to be season-ending, sparking widespread criticism of Martinelli’s behaviour.[1][2][3]

In the days after the incident, Martinelli issued a direct apology to Bradley, explaining that he did not realise the severity of the injury “in the heat of the moment” and that he was “deeply sorry” for his reaction.[1] Slot also publicly stated that he believed Martinelli had no intention of causing harm, instead pointing to the broader problem of time-wasting and players exaggerating injuries as a factor that can cloud judgment in such situations.[1]

Arteta has now publicly endorsed Slot’s comments, describing the Liverpool manager as having “spoken brilliantly” about the episode and highlighting the importance of acknowledging that Martinelli is, in his words, an “incredible, lovely guy” who would not deliberately try to injure a fellow professional.[1][3] Arteta stressed that when emotions run high late in games, players can make rash decisions without fully understanding the circumstances, and that Martinelli has taken responsibility through his apology and subsequent performances.[1][2][3]

By backing Slot’s stance and underlining Martinelli’s character, Arteta sought to cool tensions between the clubs and frame the incident as an unfortunate misunderstanding rather than malicious intent, while still recognising the seriousness of Bradley’s injury and wishing him a full recovery.[1][3]