Online Reporter
OFCOM received a whopping 576 complaints following Gary Neville’s comments about Gabriel Martinelli’s moment of madness during Arsenal’s 0-0 draw with Liverpool.
The Brazilian was slammed by pundits and fans for pushing an injured Conor Bradley off the pitch and throwing the ball at him in the final minutes of the match.
Martinelli, 24, was lambasted by Sky pundit Gary Neville, who described his push on the full-back as “disgraceful”.
The Arsenal ace has since apologised to Bradley both publicly and privately, explaining that he wasn’t aware that the Northern Irishman was seriously injured.
Liverpool announced last week that Bradley will miss the remainder of the season with the knee issue.
The incredible 576 complaints are way above the average number of complaints Ofcom receives for shows and are understood to be more than any other show this year.
Sources at Ofcom have confirmed to SunSport that those complaints relate to the comments made by Neville.
A spokesperson said: “We’re assessing these complaints against our broadcasting rules, but are yet to decide whether or not to investigate.”
Gabriel Martinelli was shown a yellow card by referee Anthony Taylor for his push, but avoided any retrospective punishment.
Neville made it clear that he felt the winger deserved to have the book thrown at him with his on-air comments during commentary − Sun.
Mathew Masinge