Max Dowman to miss three Arsenal matches after FA rejects red card appeal

File Picture: Max Dowman will serve a three-match domestic suspension after the FA rejected his appeal against a red card. | Photo Credit: REUTERS

Arsenal’s appeal against Max Dowman’s red card during Tuesday’s League Cup defeat to Fleetwood Town has been rejected by the English Football Association (FA), the governing body confirmed on Thursday.

The 16-year-old was sent off in the 85th minute after kicking out at Harrison Neal following a heavy challenge. Arsenal, reduced to 10 men, eventually lost 5-3 on penalties after the match finished 1-1.

The club challenged both the dismissal and the severity of the punishment, but an independent regulatory commission dismissed its appeals.

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The FA confirmed that Dowman would serve a three-match suspension, with the commission’s written reasons to be released later.

The teenager will miss Arsenal’s upcoming domestic fixtures against Liverpool, Hull City and Newcastle United. He will be available for domestic selection again when Arsenal hosts Manchester City on November 29.

However, the suspension does not extend to European competitions, meaning Dowman remains eligible for Arsenal’s Champions League fixture against Slavia Prague on November 4.