Arsenal to appeal Max Dowman’s red card after Fleetwood defeat
Arsenal will appeal the red card shown to Max Dowman during their shock Carabao Cup exit against Fleetwood Town, with Mikel Arteta hinting the teenager’s dismissal was something they had discussed before the game.
The 16-year-old was sent off late in Tuesday’s fourth-round tie after kicking out at Fleetwood midfielder Harrison Neal following a heavy challenge from the League Two player.
Arsenal subsequently lost on penalties, bringing their hopes of lifting the trophy to an abrupt end, while Dowman faces the prospect of a three-match domestic suspension unless the club’s appeal is successful.
The Gunners must submit their appeal documents to the Football Association by 1pm GMT on Thursday, with the club hoping a decision will be reached before Sunday’s Premier League trip to Liverpool.
The timing of the verdict will be determined by the FA. As things stand, Dowman would miss the games against Liverpool, Hull City and Newcastle United, ruling him out of domestic action until Arsenal host Manchester City on November 29.
The suspension would not apply to European competition, meaning the youngster could still feature against Slavia Prague in the Champions League on November 4.
Arteta also offered a brief insight into his exchange with Dowman as the teenager walked past the Arsenal dugout and headed down the tunnel following his dismissal.
The Arsenal manager leaned towards the youngster and spoke to him in what appeared to be a ‘telling off.’
Asked what he had said to Dowman, Arteta replied: “It was something that we discussed before the game.”
The Spaniard declined to elaborate when pressed for further details, leaving the precise nature of their conversation unclear.
However, his response suggests the incident may have touched on a subject they had already addressed before kick-off.
Dowman is one of the most exciting young prospects to emerge from Arsenal’s academy, and the challenge for Arteta will be to ensure the disappointment of his first career red card becomes a learning experience rather than a setback.
It is possible the pair had discussed the physical challenges Dowman might face against senior opponents, and the importance of keeping his composure if provoked. That remains speculation, however, and Arteta has not confirmed that this was the substance of their conversation.
With Arsenal appealing the decision, the club will hope the teenager can avoid a suspension and return to action without missing three domestic fixtures.
