Overview
- Ofcom confirmed that 576 viewers complained about Neville’s on-air remarks urging Liverpool players to “whack” Martinelli during Sky Sports’ coverage of Arsenal vs Liverpool.
- The flashpoint came late in the 0-0 draw when Martinelli tried to move Conor Bradley off the pitch as the Liverpool defender lay injured by the touchline.
- Bradley later underwent knee surgery and has been ruled out for the remainder of the season, according to updates reported this week.
- Martinelli apologized publicly and privately, said he did not realize the severity of the injury, and was shown a yellow card during the match.
- Pundit reaction was divided, with Roy Keane and Daniel Sturridge condemning the act, while Mikel Arteta and Martin Keown defended Martinelli’s intent and criticized Neville’s tone; Martinelli was booed at Portsmouth in the FA Cup before scoring a hat-trick.