Arsenal will be without Max Dowman for three domestic matches after an independent commission dismissed the club’s appeal against his red card at Fleetwood Town.
The Football Association confirmed on Thursday that Arsenal’s claims of wrongful dismissal and excessive punishment for the 16-year-old had both been rejected. Dowman was shown a straight red card by referee Michael Salisbury in the 85th minute of Tuesday’s Carabao Cup fourth-round tie. After a heavy challenge from Fleetwood midfielder Harrison Neal left the pair tangled on the ground, Dowman’s foot made contact with Neal as he reacted.
Thanks for the submission!
Viktor Gyökeres equalized after Martin Ødegaard was introduced at half-time, and the tie finished 1-1 before League Two Fleetwood won the shootout 5-3.
The ban covers Sunday’s Premier League trip to Liverpool, the home game against Hull City on November 7 and the visit to Newcastle United on November 21. It applies only to domestic competition, so Dowman can face Slavia Prague in the Champions League on November 4 and is available domestically again when Arsenal host Manchester City on November 29.
It was Dowman’s second red card this month, after he was also sent off on England Under-19s duty. He has made four appearances this season, starting both of Arsenal’s Carabao Cup ties and scoring twice against Ipswich Town in the third round. The FA said the commission’s written reasons “will be published in due course.”
Mikel Arteta was seen speaking to Dowman as he left the pitch.
“It’s something that we discussed before the game,” the manager said. He told BBC Radio 5 Live: “It’s difficult to see on the cameras like that. So I prefer to watch it back properly and then I can assess the situation.”
Arsenal’s wing injuries and the options available to Arteta
Dowman’s suspension arrives with Arsenal already stretched on the flanks. Bukayo Saka has not featured since coming off about 10 minutes into the 2-2 Champions League draw at Bayern Munich with a quadriceps injury; the club has not set a return date, though reports have suggested a six to eight-week absence.
Noni Madueke sat out the Fleetwood game with an ankle problem that is not thought to be serious, and there is optimism he will be fit to start on the right at Anfield. Christos Tzolis, out for almost a month with a hamstring injury picked up on Greece duty, could be involved if he comes through training.
Eberechi Eze is another option in the front line; Kai Havertz can be used wide, and Tzolis is comfortable on either flank. Dowman would have been the obvious deputy after starting both cup ties.
Edited by Vignesh Raja
