Arsenal’s 16‑year‑old midfielder Max Dowman will miss three matches after the club’s appeal against his sending‑off in Tuesday’s Carabao Cup defeat at Fleetwood was rejected. The young winger was dismissed in the 85th minute after reacting to a heavy challenge from Fleetwood defender Harrison Neal. Though Dowman did not fully kick out, his foot did make contact with Neal, prompting the referee to issue a straight red card for violent conduct.
The match finished 1-1 before Fleetwood won 5-3 on penalties. Dowman’s dismissal was his second red card this month, the first coming while representing England’s Under‑19s. Arsenal’s manager Mikel Arteta was visibly displeased as Dowman left the field, delivering a scathing look and an angry comment to the young player.
Arteta said 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." The Gunners, already short on wing options with Bukayo Saka, Christos Tzolis and Noni Madueke injured, will return to Premier League action away to Liverpool on Sunday.
