Arsenal midfielder Max Dowman will serve a three-match suspension after the club’s appeal against his dismissal in Tuesday’s Carabao Cup defeat by Fleetwood was rejected.
The 16-year-old was shown a straight red card in the 85th minute after reacting to a heavy challenge from Fleetwood’s Harrison Neal.
Dowman did not make a full kicking motion, but his foot made contact with Neal. The incident was judged to constitute violent conduct.
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’s dismissal came with the score level at 1-1. League Two side Fleetwood then defeated the Premier League champions 5-3 in the penalty shootout.
Arsenal lodged an appeal on Wednesday, but that challenge has now been unsuccessful, meaning Dowman will miss three matches.
It is the second time this month that Dowman has been sent off. He was also dismissed while playing for England Under-19s.
The teenager appeared to draw a furious reaction from Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta as he walked off the pitch. Arteta gave him a scathing look and appeared to make an angry remark towards the young winger.
Speaking after the match, Arteta said Arsenal had already emphasised the importance of remaining disciplined before kick-off.
“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,” he said.
Dowman’s suspension further reduces Arsenal’s options in wide areas. Bukayo Saka, Christos Tzolis and Noni Madueke are all currently unavailable because of injury.
Arsenal return to Premier League action on Sunday, when Arteta’s side travel to face Liverpool.
