Arsenal called hypocrites after Mikel Arteta shoved Gabriel Martinelli | Football | Sport
Arsenal have been branded hypocrites after old footage of Mikel Arteta shoving an injured Gabriel Martinelli back onto the pitch resurfaced. Martinelli is being castigated by fans and pundits after throwing the ball at and manhandling Liverpool’s Conor Bradley during the closing stages of the goalless draw at the Emirates.
The Brazilian wanted the injured Bradley to receive treatment off the pitch as the Gunners pushed for a winner. The incident triggered a bust-up as Reds players rushed to protect Bradley and remonstrate with Martinelli. Former Manchester United captain Roy Keane called the forward “a disgrace” on Sky Sports. Martinelli later apologised for his actions, while Bradley left the stadium on crutches and wearing a supportive brace on his left knee.
As the fallout continues, a clip of Arteta ushering Martinelli back onto the pitch during a match against West Ham in late 2021 has been recirculated on social media. With the Gunners 1-0 up late in the game they ended up winning 2-0, Arteta appeared furious that Martinelli had gone just off the pitch instead of on it.
The player then got to his feet before going down inside the playing area in an apparent attempt to hold up play. In light of Thursday’s events, the clip has led to fans of other clubs accusing Arsenal of hypocrisy.
An X user who reshared the 2021 clip wrote: “Hypocrites of the highest order.”
A Chelsea fan said: “Arsenal fans applauding Martinelli’s actions until it’s Caicedo. Hypocrites.” Another poster waded in: “I can honestly say Arsenal are the most unlikeable side in football. They’re cringey, hypocrites and they’re just a nasty bunch. Don’t really have personality as a club either and Arteta is the icing on top. Unbearable side.
A fourth blasted: “All the energy Arsenal gave last season and earlier this season about their injuries. None of that energy for Liverpool‘s I see right? Hypocrites.”
In response to the backlash to the Bradley incident, Martinelli posted a story on his Instagram account, writing: “Conor and I have messaged and I have already apologised to him. I really didn’t understand he was seriously injured in the heat of the moment.
“I want to say I’m deeply sorry for reacting. Sending Conor all my best again for a quick recovery.”
Prior to Martinelli’s social media post, Arteta defended his player, saying: “Knowing Gabi, he’s an incredible, lovely guy, and he probably didn’t realise what happened.
“I hope that Conor is well, I will have a word with him to understand that. Probably [Martinelli] didn’t recognise what happened.
