Martinelli avoids FA action after Conor Bradley incident at Emirates

Goal reports Arsenal forward Gabriel Martinelli has avoided a retrospective ban from the Football Association after a controversial incident with Liverpool defender Conor Bradley during the 0-0 draw at the Emirates Stadium, because the referee dealt with the matter on the pitch. The flashpoint came in the dying moments when Bradley, who had injured himself while clearing the ball near the touchline without being challenged, was on the ground.

Martinelli initially dropped the ball onto him and then pushed the defender as he moved to roll further onto the field; Liverpool players rushed to confront Martinelli and referee Anthony Taylor issued a yellow card. Under FA regulations, incidents seen and dealt with by match officials are generally not subject to retrospective action.

Taylor included the booking in his match report, so the case is considered closed and Martinelli will be available for Arsenal’s upcoming fixtures. Martinelli apologised on his official Instagram account, writing: "I really didn't understand he was seriously injured in the heat of the moment...

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Sports, Gabriel Martinelli, Conor Bradley, Football Association, Anthony Taylor, Arsenal