English football has been rocked by a dramatic development this morning as PGMOL officially released its long-awaited statement following the controversial incident involving Gabriel Martinelli and Conor Bradley in yesterday’s explosive clash.
What many fans feared has now become reality.
After hours of internal review, slow-motion analysis, referee reports, and VAR audio checks, PGMOL have confirmed that Martinelli’s actions are under serious disciplinary review — and FOUR punishments are now set to follow.
Sources close to the process describe the sanctions as “severe, unprecedented, and damaging”, with consequences that could extend far beyond a simple suspension.
Fans across the Premier League are stunned.
🚨 THE INCIDENT THAT TRIGGERED EVERYTHING
The moment in question happened late in the match, with tensions already high.
Conor Bradley, clearly injured and struggling, was attempting to shield the ball near the touchline. As he tried to stay on his feet, Gabriel Martinelli made forceful contact, sending Bradley crashing to the turf.
What ignited outrage was not just the contact — but the context.
Bradley was visibly injured
Medical staff had already been alerted earlier
He was clearly vulnerable
Within minutes, Bradley was stretchered off, unable to walk, later seen in a wheelchair.
Fans, pundits, and former players immediately demanded action.
Now, PGMOL has responded.
📜 PGMOL STATEMENT: “THE INCIDENT MET MULTIPLE BREACH THRESHOLDS”
In their official communication, PGMOL confirmed that the Martinelli incident met the criteria for multiple breaches of player conduct regulations.
The statement read in part:
“Following extensive review, PGMOL has determined that the actions of Gabriel Martinelli during the incident involving Conor Bradley constituted conduct that goes beyond acceptable competitive behavior. The matter has been escalated accordingly.”
That single line sent shockwaves through English football.
Because escalation means one thing: serious punishment.
⚖️ THE FOUR PUNISHMENTS MARTINELLI IS SET TO FACE
1️⃣
IMMEDIATE MULTI-MATCH BAN
The first and most direct punishment is a lengthy suspension.
Sources suggest Martinelli could be hit with a minimum six-match ban, with the possibility of it extending to eight or even ten games depending on the FA’s final ruling.
This would rule him out of:
Premier League fixtures
Domestic cup matches
Potential European clashes
For Arsenal, this is a massive blow.
Losing a key attacking player for such a stretch could derail momentum at a crucial point in the season.
2️⃣
HEAVY FINANCIAL FINE
PGMOL have also recommended a significant financial penalty.
Insiders describe the fine as “one of the highest issued for on-field conduct in recent years,” intended to send a strong message about player responsibility.
The reasoning?
The opponent was already injured
The challenge showed “reckless disregard”
The incident escalated an already dangerous situation
While footballers earn vast sums, this fine is said to be symbolic as much as punitive.
3️⃣
MANDATORY BEHAVIOUR & CONDUCT REVIEW
Perhaps the most surprising punishment is this one.
Martinelli is expected to be ordered to undergo a mandatory behavioural conduct review, including:
Sportsmanship workshops
Referee-player conduct sessions
Psychological assessment focused on in-game decision-making
PGMOL sources insist this is not about branding him a “dirty player,” but about addressing decision-making under pressure.
Still, for a player of his stature, this is humiliating.
4️⃣
FORMAL WARNING TO ARSENAL — AND A FINAL STRIKE NOTICE
The fourth punishment may have the longest-lasting impact.
PGMOL have reportedly issued Arsenal with a formal warning regarding player discipline, with Martinelli placed on a “final strike” internal monitoring list.
What does that mean?
Any similar incident within the next 12 months could trigger automatic harsher punishment
Arsenal may face additional scrutiny from match officials
The player’s disciplinary record will now work against him
Sources say this could affect Martinelli’s standing at the club, especially with Arsenal keen to protect their image.
😱 FANS REACT: “THIS IS MASSIVE”
Social media erupted the moment the statement dropped.
Liverpool fans demanded justice.
Neutral fans called it overdue.
Even some Arsenal supporters admitted the punishment felt inevitable.
Comments flooded in:
“This goes beyond rivalry — player safety matters.”
“PGMOL had no choice.”
“That image of Bradley in a wheelchair says it all.”
The league is united on one thing: this incident crossed a line.
🎙️ PUNDITS WEIGH IN
Former players didn’t hold back.
One ex-captain said:
“When you see an injured player and still go in like that, you leave yourself exposed. This punishment sends the right message.”
Another added:
“If that’s ignored, football becomes dangerous. You can’t allow that standard.”
The consensus is clear: PGMOL wanted to make an example.
🔴 LIVERPOOL’S QUIET SATISFACTION
Liverpool have publicly remained respectful, avoiding inflammatory comments.
Privately, however, sources suggest the club feels vindicated.
Bradley remains out indefinitely, and while no punishment can undo the injury, the club believes accountability matters.
One insider reportedly said:
“This was never about revenge — it was about protecting players.”
🔵 ARSENAL’S DILEMMA
Inside Arsenal, the situation is tense.
Martinelli is valued — but the club is wary of reputational damage.
Questions now being asked internally:
Does this affect his leadership role?
How do we manage his return?
Can we afford further incidents?
With pressure mounting and discipline under the spotlight, Arteta faces a serious test of control.
🧠 THE WIDER MESSAGE FROM PGMOL
This is bigger than one player.
PGMOL’s decision sends a clear message to the entire league:
Injured players are protected
Context matters
Recklessness will be punished
“Heat of the moment” is no longer an excuse
In an era where player welfare is increasingly central, this ruling could become a landmark case.
⏳ WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?
Over the coming days:
The FA will confirm the final ban length
Arsenal may consider an appeal (though insiders say chances are slim)
Martinelli will issue a formal response
Until then, the football world waits.
😱 SHOCK WAVES ACROSS THE PREMIER LEAGUE
One incident.
Four punishments.
Massive consequences.
Whether fans agree or not, one thing is certain — this decision will be talked about for years.
And as Bradley begins his long road to recovery, the league has drawn a firm line in the sand
