Tottenham legend accuses Arsenal’s in-form player of diving amid Harry Kane comparisons
Graham Roberts, a legend for Tottenham Hotspur, has accused Gabriel Martinelli, a winger for Arsenal, of diving.
Martinelli excelled in the first half of Sunday’s incredibly entertaining 2-2 draw between the Gunners and Liverpool, in which he starred.
The 21-year-old broke the deadlock early on at Anfield, poking the ball past Reds goalkeeper Alisson. He then provided a brilliant cross for teammate Gabriel Jesus, who doubled the visitors’ lead 28 minutes later.
However, Jurgen Klopp’s team eventually rallied, with Mohamed Salah cutting the deficit in half just before halftime and Roberto Firmino tying the game late for the hosts.
Henry Winter, a journalist, praised the north London club following the game for their observance of the Hillsborough disaster.
Writing on Twitter, Henry said: “#AFC didn’t win at Anfield but they won a lot of friends at #LFC for the class, dignity and respect they and their fans showed around the Hillsborough commemorations. Liverpool were moved by Arteta and Odegaard laying wreaths and Arteta and staff members wearing ’97’ badges…”
“… and the 3,000 #AFC fans observed the minute’s silence impeccably. Given the problems in the game around tragedy chanting atm, Arsenal fans’ respectful behaviour could not have been more timely (raised hands emoji) #LIVARS.”
Roberts then responded to Winter’s tweet alleging that Martinelli had dived during the match, a charge that Winter had made against Lillywhites’ striker Harry Kane the week prior.
“@henrywinter you haven’t mentioned the dove by Martinelli yesterday like you did last week with @HKane did you miss that yesterday”, Roberts wrote.
@henrywinter you haven't mentioned the dove by Martinelli yesterday like you did last week with @HKane did you miss that yesterday
— Graham Roberts (@GrahamRoberts4) April 10, 2023
Abdoulaye Doucoure, an Everton midfielder, received a red card for his challenge on Kane during last week’s 1-1 draw between the two teams. The England captain lay on the ground for some time after being struck in the face by Doucoure in the 58th minute at Goodison Park. Doucoure was sent off.
Following the incident, the aforementioned Winter labelled the 28-year-old’s theatrics as ’embarrassing.’ “Harry Kane milked that, then stayed down”, he wrote.
“Abdoulaye Doucoure was stupid, raised his left hand, deserved the red, but Kane exaggerated the contact. Embarrassing from Kane. #EVETOT.”
Tottenham legend accuses Arsenal’s in-form player of diving amid Harry Kane comparisons
