FA Rejects Arsenal Appeal Over Max Dowman’s Three-Match Ban
The Football Association has rejected Arsenal’s appeal against the red card and three-match suspension
handed to teenage midfielder Max Dowman following his dismissal in the club’s Carabao Cup defeat to
Fleetwood Town.
An independent Regulatory Commission dismissed Arsenal’s claims of both wrongful dismissal and
excessive punishment, the FA confirmed on Thursday. Dowman will therefore serve the full ban.
The 16-year-old was sent off in the 85th minute of Tuesday’s match at Highbury Stadium after reacting
to a heavy challenge from Fleetwood’s Harrison Neal.
Officials judged the incident as violent conduct after Dowman kicked out, making contact with the
opponent.
The game ended 1-1 before League Two side Fleetwood won 5-3 on penalties, knocking Arsenal out of
the competition.
In a statement, the FA said: “An independent Regulatory Commission has dismissed claims of both
wrongful dismissal and excessive punishment for Max Dowman.”
“The Arsenal player was sent off during their EFL Cup game against Fleetwood Town on Tuesday 27
October and will be suspended for three matches. The Regulatory Commission’s written reasons for its
decisions will be published in due course.”
As a result, Dowman will miss Arsenal’s Premier League trip to Liverpool on Sunday, the home fixture
against Hull City, and the away match at Newcastle United either side of the international break.
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta had stressed after the match the importance of emotional control.
“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,” he said.
The decision leaves Arsenal short of wide options, with Bukayo Saka, Christos Tzolis and Noni Madueke
already sidelined through injury.
By Oyinkansola Shittu.
