Arsenal's appeal against Max Dowman's red card in their League Two Fleetwood Town defeat has been rejected. The 16-year-old was dismissed for violent conduct after kicking out at Harrison Neal following a heavy challenge. Arsenal were subsequently knocked out of the Carabao Cup on penalties. Dowman will now miss the next three domestic matches against Liverpool, Hull, and Newcastle following the FA's decision to uphold the ban.
An FA spokesperson stated an independent commission dismissed Arsenal's claims of wrongful dismissal and excessive punishment. This ruling leaves Arsenal threadbare out wide ahead of their crucial Premier League match at Liverpool. Bukayo Saka faces weeks out with a quadricep injury suffered at Bayern Munich. Noni Madueke is recovering from an ankle injury, while Christos Tzolis is closing in on a return from a hamstring issue.
If Madueke and Tzolis are unavailable, Mikel Arteta may call upon youngster Ceadach O'Neill, who impressed against Fleetwood. Alternatively, versatile Kai Havertz could fill in out wide. Meanwhile, Dowman's opportunities have been limited this season, though he started both Carabao Cup matches, scoring twice against Ipswich before the sending off.
Arteta spoke to Dowman before the Fleetwood game, warning him about strong challenges and instructing him not to react. Former Arsenal star Paul Merson has also warned the teenager he must learn to cope with teams targeting him.
Source: Sky Sports Champions League · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing