Gary Neville Labels Arsenal Star ‘Idiot’ for Igniting Liverpool Clash
Gary Neville has expressed outrage at Gabriel Martinelli’s actions during a match between Arsenal and Liverpool on January 8, 2026. The incident occurred when Liverpool’s Conor Bradley was injured and subsequently stretchered off the field.
Incident Overview
The event unfolded when Bradley attempted to clear the ball and suffered an awkward landing. After the Northern Ireland defender went down, Gabriel Martinelli controversially threw the ball at him and attempted to push him off the pitch to resume play.
Neville’s Reaction
- Neville called Martinelli an ‘idiot’ for lacking compassion.
- He expressed disbelief that no Liverpool player retaliated against Martinelli’s actions.
- Neville criticized the lack of sportsmanship and demanded an apology from Martinelli.
Match Context
This match was significant for both teams. Arsenal aimed to widen their lead at the top of the Premier League standings by eight points. However, Liverpool’s performance hindered Arsenal’s efforts.
Game Highlights
- Bradley hit the crossbar in a key moment of the first half.
- Although Arsenal struggled for much of the game, they had a late opportunity through Martinelli.
- Gabriel nearly equalized at the end, missing a free header.
Injury Impact
Bradley’s injury adds to Liverpool’s defensive woes. Coach Arne Slot is already facing challenges with player availability, as Giovanni Leoni suffered a season-ending knee injury in an earlier match. Currently, Joe Gomez stands as the only senior centre-back option for Liverpool.
This incident and its fallout have drawn attention, overshadowing the match’s progression and raising questions about sportsmanship in the Premier League.
