Portsmouth fans make feelings clear on Gabriel Martinelli after Conor Bradley surgery confirmed

Gabriel Martinelli was back in action for Arsenal in the FA Cup on Sunday, but the Brazilian was booed by Portsmouth fans at Fratton Park after his incident with Liverpool's Conor Bradley who suffered a serious knee injury

Conor Bradley has sustained a 'significant' knee injury, Liverpool has confirmed(Image: Getty Images)

Portsmouth supporters jeered Gabriel Martinelli throughout their FA Cup clash with Arsenal on Sunday afternoon.

The 24 year old Martinelli, who has come under fire following Thursday night's incident involving Liverpool defender Conor Bradley, was met with boos and whistles each time he touched the ball at Fratton Park in the Cup tie.

During Thursday's goalless draw between Arsenal and Liverpool, Bradley was left on the ground after sustaining what appeared to be a serious knee injury. Martinelli then threw the ball towards him and shoved him off the pitch. The Brazilian was booked for the incident, which angered Arne Slot's squad.

When Martinelli returned to action for Arsenal in Sunday's FA Cup tie, Portsmouth fans made their feelings known by booing the winger whenever he received possession. The jeers were clearly audible throughout the match, reports the Liverpool Echo.

Even after Martinelli netted Arsenal's second goal in the first half, Pompey supporters booed the ex-Corinthians player as his name was announced over the tannoy.

Later in the opening period, when Martinelli squandered a golden opportunity to put the Gunners 3-1 up, the home fans chanted: "You're just a s*** Conor Chaplin."

Portsmouth fans were evidently unimpressed with Martinelli following the Bradley incident. Liverpool confirmed on Sunday afternoon that Bradley faces an extended period out with a serious knee injury.

Conor Bradley is facing a lengthy spell on the Liverpool sidelines with the injury he sustained against Arsenal (Image: Marc Atkins/Getty Images)

In a statement, the Reds announced: " Liverpool FC can confirm Conor Bradley has sustained a significant knee injury. The right-back suffered the issue in the latter stages of Thursday night's Premier League fixture away at Arsenal.

"Bradley will undergo surgery in the coming days and then begin a period of rehabilitation at the AXA Training Centre. No timeframe is being placed on his return to playing at this stage of the process."

Following the goalless draw at the Emirates Stadium, Martinelli extended an apology to Bradley. On Instagram, the Arsenal winger stated: "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."

This came after Gary Neville labelled Martinelli's actions as "disgraceful", adding: "I'm fuming with Martinelli. I don't know how Liverpool players didn't go over to absolutely whack him to be honest with you."

Neville's former Manchester United colleague Roy Keane chimed in: "I didn't like it at all. It happened to me once. I was badly injured and a player stood over me. It's not good. We know football, the player is a good lad. Throwing the ball at him, standing over him and getting a little knee on him. He tries to force him off.

"That behaviour is an absolute disgrace. He's a good boy to roll over himself. Hopefully, Martinelli will have a look at it and hopefully, he'll apologise for it. Not good stuff that."

Following Colby Bishop's surprise opener for Portsmouth, Arsenal managed to turn the tables before half-time, with Andre Dozzell scoring an own goal followed by Martinelli netting the second for his team. Noni Madueke had a prime opportunity to extend the Gunners' lead to 3-1 from the penalty spot, but his attempt from 12 yards was unsuccessful.