Liverpool supervisor Arne Slot described Gabriel Martinelli as a “good man” and defended the Arsenal winger after he tried to push the injured Conor Bradley off the pitch.

Northern Eire worldwide Bradley landed awkwardly close to the touchline when chasing the ball in stoppage time of Thursday’s 0-0 Premier League draw, falling to the bottom and instantly clutching his knee.

Martinelli then dropped the ball on the Liverpool defender earlier than shoving him within the again in an try and get him off the enjoying floor to permit the sport to proceed.

That motion sparked a melee between the 2 units of gamers, with Martinelli and Ibrahima Konate each yellow-carded for his or her elements in it.

After receiving remedy, Bradley was taken away on a stretcher and was later seen leaving Emirates Stadium on crutches and with a knee brace.

Former Manchester United gamers Gary Neville and Roy Keane have been each extremely vital of Martinelli, with Neville describing him as an “fool”, however Slot stated the broader difficulty of time-wasting in soccer could have led to the flashpoint.

“I do not know Gabriel Martinelli, however he comes throughout as a pleasant man,” stated Slot.

“I believe the issue for him – and it is an issue normally in soccer – is that there’s a lot time-wasting and gamers pretending that they’re injured within the ultimate elements of the sport and throughout the recreation, that you would be able to generally be irritated if you wish to attempt to rating a objective that you just assume the participant is time-wasting.

“You can’t ask Martinelli to assume so clear within the 94th minute.”

Martinelli later issued an apology on social media, saying the 2 gamers had been in touch and he had already stated sorry.

“I actually did not perceive he was severely injured within the warmth of the second,” Martinelli posted on Instagram.

“I wish to say I am deeply sorry for reacting. Sending Conor all my finest once more for a fast restoration.”