Former Premier League referee Dermot Gallagher believes Arsenal's appeal against Max Dowman's red card in their Carabao Cup defeat to Fleetwood Town will fail. Dowman, 16, was sent off for violent conduct after kicking out at Harrison Neal following a strong challenge late in the fourth-round tie, which Arsenal lost on penalties.
Arsenal must submit appeal documents by 1pm on Thursday and hope for a decision before Sunday's match at Liverpool, live on Sky Sports. Gallagher told Sky Sports News: "I don't, because of the aggressiveness of Dowman, and you can see the intent. I think it will fail." He compared the incident to Cole Palmer's challenge on Mateus Fernandes, saying Dowman was "a little bit more aggressive."
Gallagher also felt Arsenal should have been awarded a free-kick and Neal a yellow card for his tackle. Meanwhile, Sky Sports' Paul Merson called the red card harsh but warned Dowman will "get kicked all his career" at big clubs. Merson also questioned Mikel Arteta's reaction as Dowman headed toward the tunnel.
Source: Sky Sports Champions League · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing