Arsenal dealt Max Dowman blow as youngster handed three-match ban after red card appeal is rejected

Arsenal teenager Max Dowman will miss three matches after the club’s appeal against his red card in Tuesday’s Carabao Cup defeat by Fleetwood Town was rejected.

According to BBC Sport, the 16-year-old midfielder was dismissed in the 85th minute for violent conduct after reacting to a heavy challenge by Fleetwood’s Harrison Neal.

Although Dowman did not fully kick out, his foot made contact with Neal, prompting the referee to show him a straight red card. Arsenal appealed the decision on Wednesday but were unsuccessful, leaving the youngster facing a three-match suspension.

The dismissal was Dowman’s second red card this month, following another while representing England’s Under-19s. Manager Mikel Arteta appeared visibly frustrated as the teenager left the pitch, with the Arsenal boss seemingly making an angry comment towards him.

After the match, Arteta said: “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.” Arsenal, who lost 5-3 on penalties after a 1-1 draw, face Liverpool in the Premier League on Sunday.