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Ofcom Receives 576 Complaints Over Gary Neville’s ‘Whack Him’ Remark in Martinelli–Bradley Flashpoint

Conor Bradley has been ruled out for the season after knee surgery.

Overview

  • The stoppage-time incident occurred in Arsenal’s 0-0 draw with Liverpool, when Gabriel Martinelli pushed an injured Conor Bradley near the touchline and was booked.
  • Ofcom confirmed the 576 viewer complaints focused on Neville’s live commentary, making Sky’s broadcast the most complained-about UK TV moment of 2026 to date.
  • On air, Neville called the shove “disgraceful” and said he was surprised Liverpool players did not “whack” Martinelli, remarks later criticised by Martin Keown.
  • Liverpool say Bradley required knee surgery and will miss the remainder of the campaign.
  • Martinelli apologised publicly and messaged Bradley, and he was booed in the FA Cup at Portsmouth before scoring a hat-trick in a 4-1 win.