‘This is really who’s to blame for stupid Gabriel Martinelli-Conor Bradley incident’ in Arsenal vs Liverpool
Gabriel Martinelli should not be wholly blamed for the incident involving Liverpool’s Conor Bradley against Arsenal.
That is according to former PGMOL chief and ex-FIFA referee, Keith Hackett, who exclusively told Football Insider that Premier League players feigning injuries have created an overall doubt for the officials.
Liverpool have now confirmed a long-term injury to Bradley, who was carried off on a stretcher at the Emirates Stadium on Thursday, 8 January, but only after the Brazilian winger attempted to push him off the pitch.
Unsurprisingly, fans were furious with Martinelli following his on-pitch antics, and the anger has only been exacerbated after the news that the 22-year-old full-back could be sidelined for quite some time.
Gabriel Martinelli tops off a controversial night at the Emirates
While it was the major talking point, it was not the only situation emerging from North London, with referee Anthony Taylor infuriating both sets of supporters with his decisions.
Arne Slot‘s side could have been awarded two penalties, one on Jeremie Frimpong and the other on Florian Wirtz, but the teams were forced to settle for a point at the Emirates.
The Reds will feel the hardest done by, however, after losing a key player in added time, but Hackett believes that Martinelli should not carry the entire blame after possibly making the injury worse.
Premier League players are often accused of faking injury, like Gianluigi Donnarumma against Leeds United, with officials and the PGMOL playing their part in allowing these things to happen.
Keith Hackett keen to take the blame away from Arsenal star
Hackett, exclusively speaking to Football Insider on The Final Whistle, said: “It was a stupid action from Martinelli. But he’s a passionate player, isn’t he? You’d have him in your team – there’s no question about that.
“I think it blew up because the Liverpool player was seriously injured. We’ve got players who are cheating to have stoppages and water breaks, and stuff like diving and simulation.
“This makes life extremely difficult for match officials and the fans, because this incident could have led to something more serious. I don’t just blame Martinelli; I blame the game overall and players’ attitudes, making the game difficult for referees.