Arsenal’s appeal against Max Dowman’s red card in their Carabao Cup defeat to Fleetwood Town has been rejected, with an independent commission upholding the sending-off and confirming a three-match ban for the teenager.
The 16-year-old midfielder was shown a straight red card in the 85th minute of Tuesday’s tie after reacting to a strong challenge from Fleetwood’s Harrison Neal. Although Dowman did not fully kick out, his foot made contact with the Fleetwood player.
The match ended 1-1 before League Two side Fleetwood defeated Arsenal 5-3 on penalties to secure a place in the next round.
Arsenal appealed the dismissal on Wednesday, arguing that the decision amounted to wrongful dismissal and that the punishment was excessive. However, the Football Association announced on Thursday that an independent commission had rejected both claims.
Dowman will now serve an immediate three-match suspension for violent conduct, beginning with Arsenal’s Premier League trip to Liverpool on Sunday. He is also set to miss domestic fixtures against Hull City and Newcastle United.
The decision is a setback for the teenage prospect as Arsenal seek to recover from their shock cup exit.
Mikel Arteta’s side, level on points with Premier League leaders Manchester City, will travel to Anfield looking to respond to the defeat.
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