Mikel Arteta angrily pushed Gabriel Martinelli as Arsenal brutally labelled hypocrites

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Mikel Arteta has come under fire for an incident from four years ago in the wake of Gabriel Martinelli's behaviour against Liverpool

Arsenal have been accused of hypocrisy after old footage of Mikel Arteta pushing an injured Gabriel Martinelli back onto the pitch re-emerged.

Martinelli is facing criticism from supporters and pundits following an incident where he threw the ball at and manhandled Liverpool's Conor Bradley during the final moments of the goalless draw at the Emirates.

The Brazilian was attempting to get the injured Bradley to receive treatment off the pitch as the Gunners searched for a winning goal. The incident sparked a confrontation as Liverpool players rushed to defend Bradley and challenge Martinelli.

Former Manchester United captain Roy Keane labelled the forward "a disgrace" on Sky Sports. Martinelli subsequently apologised for his behaviour, while Bradley left the stadium on crutches and wearing a knee brace.

Amidst the continuing controversy, a clip of Arteta directing an injured Martinelli back onto the pitch during a match against West Ham in late 2021 has resurfaced on social media. With the Gunners leading 1-0 late in a game they ultimately won 2-0, Arteta appeared incensed that Martinelli had stepped just off the pitch rather than remaining on it.

The player then stood up before receiving treatment inside the playing area, with the game being stopped. Following Thursday's events, the clip has prompted supporters of rival clubs to accuse Arsenal of hypocrisy.

An X user who reposted the 2021 clip commented: "Hypocrites of the highest order." A Chelsea supporter said: "Arsenal fans applauding Martinelli's actions until it's Caicedo. Hypocrites."

Another chimed in: "I can honestly say Arsenal are the most unlikeable side in football. They're cringey, hypocrites and they're just a nasty bunch. Don't really have personality as a club either and Arteta is the icing on top. Unbearable side."

A fourth critic added: "All the energy Arsenal gave last season and earlier this season about their injuries. None of that energy for Liverpool's I see right? Hypocrites."

In response to the criticism following the incident with Bradley, Martinelli took to Instagram to share his side of the story, writing: "Conor and I have messaged and I have already apologised to him. I really didn't understand he was seriously injured in the heat of the moment.

"I want to say I'm deeply sorry for reacting. Sending Conor all my best again for a quick recovery."

Before Martinelli's social media clarification, Arteta came to his player's defence, saying: "Knowing Gabi, he's an incredible, lovely guy, and he probably didn't realise what happened.

"I hope that Conor is well, I will have a word with him to understand that. Probably [Martinelli] didn't recognise what happened."