Arsenal’s Max Dowman will miss three matches after an appeal against his sending-off during Tuesday’s Carabao Cup loss at Fleetwood was rejected. The 16-year-old made his second start of the season in that game.
Dowman was shown a straight red card in the 85th minute after reacting to a heavy challenge by Fleetwood’s Harrison Neal. Although Dowman did not fully kick out, his foot made contact with Neal. Arsenal appealed the decision on Wednesday, but the appeal was rejected.
A costly defeat
The game finished 1-1 before League Two side Fleetwood beat the Premier League champions 5-3 on penalties. It was Dowman’s second red card this month, having also been sent off while representing England’s Under-19s.
Dowman was dismissed for violent conduct. The laws of the game define this as when a player “uses or attempts to use excessive force or brutality against an opponent when not challenging for the ball… regardless of whether contact is made”.
Arteta’s reaction
As Dowman left the field, Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta gave him a scathing look and made what appeared to be an angry comment to the young winger.
Arteta spoke after the game: “When we prepared the context of the match, we were very clear on the things to respect, the things that emotionally we have to dominate. It was very clear.”
Injury problems on the wing
Arsenal were already short of options on the wing. Bukayo Saka, Christos Tzolis and Noni Madueke are all currently injured.
Arteta’s side return to Premier League action away to Liverpool on Sunday.