Arsenal to Appeal Max Dowman Red Card After Fleetwood Defeat

At sixteen years and three hundred days old, Max Dowman just became the youngest player ever sent off in a League Cup match. The Arsenal midfielder saw a straight red card in the eighty-fifth minute after reacting to a heavy sliding tackle from Fleetwood player Harrison Neal. Referee Michael Salisbury issued the dismissal following minimal contact when Dowman lifted his right knee toward Neal. The match ended one-one before League Two side Fleetwood secured a five-three victory on penalties. Arsenal plans to appeal the decision. Manager Mikel Arteta gave the teenager a scathing look and aimed angry words at him as he walked toward the tunnel. Arteta made no excuses for the young player in his post-match press conference. If the appeal fails, Dowman faces a three-match domestic suspension that rules him out of upcoming games against Liverpool, Hull, and Newcastle. The ban adds to Arsenal's squad pressure with Bukayo Saka sidelined by a thigh injury and Noni Madueke out with an ankle issue. This marks Dowman's second red card this month after a previous sending-off while playing for England's under-nineteen team against the USA.