Arsenal's Max Dowman Handed Three-Match Ban After Appeal Rejected

Arsenal News: Max Dowman banned for three games after FA rejects appeal

Arsenal academy prospect Max Dowman will sit out three games after the Football Association dismissed the club’s appeal against his red card in the Carabao Cup defeat at Fleetwood Town.

Arsenal failed in their appeal to have teenage midfielder Max Dowman’s sending-off overturned, with an independent Football Association commission maintaining both the red card and subsequent suspension.

The teenager was shown a red card in the 85th minute of Tuesday’s Carabao Cup tie with Fleetwood Town after retaliating following a tough tackle by Harrison Neal. Dowman’s reaction was determined to be violent behavior by the referee and a straight red card was shown.

The game finished 1-1 before Fleetwood won 5-3 in the penalty shootout to dump Arsenal out of the competition in a big upset.

FA Dismisses Arsenal Appeal

Arsenal disputed the sending-off, saying the verdict was improper and the punishment too harsh. But the independent regulatory commission rejected both allegations.

Dowman has been banned for three matches by the FA. The commission’s entire written explanation of its decision is to be published later.

The judgment means Arsenal will be without the teenage midfielder for their next three domestic games.

Which games will Dowman miss?

Dowman is also expected to miss Arsenal's Premier League trip to Liverpool, plus the home game against Hull City and the away encounter at Newcastle United.

He is anticipated to return to domestic action once the suspension is served, depending on the club’s schedule and any other circumstances.

But the punishment is not for European play and Dowman is still eligible for Arsenal’s Champions League tie against Slavia Prague, if he passes the club’s selection criteria.

More selection worries for Arteta’s Arsenal

Dowman's ban comes at an awkward moment for Mikel Arteta whose side have been struggling with issues concerning offensive availability previously.

The teenager’s sending-off also raises problems of discipline and emotional management, particularly for a young player learning his trade in professional football.

Arteta had earlier said his players had been instructed to manage their emotions and respond correctly to physical confrontations in the Fleetwood game.

Now Arsenal have to do without Dowman for three games in domestic competitions as they want to build on their momentum.

What’s Next for Max?

The setback has not stopped Dowman being one of Arsenal’s promising talents. “The suspension allows him to reflect on the incident and learn from the experience as he continues to develop.

For now Arsenal will have to look to the next games and deal with the resources at their disposal.

Dowman will serve the ban as determined by the FA, with the appeal rejection ending the club's challenge against the red card.

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