Arsenal to appeal Dowman’s red card

Max Dowman made his second start of the season against Fleetwood Photo: GETTY IMAGES

Arsenal are set to appeal against Max Dowman’s red card during Tuesday’s Carabao Cup clash against Fleetwood Town, according to BBC Sport on Wednesday

The 16-year-old midfielder was sent off in the 85th minute after reacting to a heavy challenge from Fleetwood’s Harrison Neal.

Although Dowman did not fully kick out at his opponent, his foot made contact with Neal, prompting the referee to show him a straight red card.

The match ended 1-1 after normal time before League Two side Fleetwood secured a 5-3 victory on penalties to eliminate the Premier League champions from the competition.

Dowman’s dismissal was his second red card this month, having also been sent off while representing England’s Under-19 side.

As the youngster left the pitch, Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta appeared visibly unhappy, giving the winger a stern look and seemingly making an angry remark towards him.

Speaking after the match, Arteta stressed the importance of discipline and emotional control, saying the team had been clear about the expectations ahead of the encounter.

“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,” Arteta said.

Under the laws of the game, violent conduct occurs 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.

Dowman currently faces a potential three-match suspension, although Arsenal’s planned appeal could give the club an opportunity to challenge the decision.

The situation comes at a difficult time for the Gunners, who are already short of options on the wings due to injuries to Bukayo Saka, Christos Tzolis and Noni Madueke.

Arsenal will now turn their attention to the Premier League, with Arteta’s side scheduled to face Liverpool away on Sunday as they look to put their disappointing cup exit behind them.