Arsenal’s Max Dowman to serve three-match ban after appeal fails

Arsenal’s Max Dowman will serve a three-match suspension after the club’s appeal against his red card was rejected, BBC Sport said on 29 October.

The 16-year-old midfielder was making his second start of the season in Arsenal’s Carabao Cup match at Fleetwood Town on 27 October. League Two Fleetwood knocked out the Premier League champions, winning 5–3 on penalties after a 1–1 draw. Arsenal appealed the sending-off on 28 October.

Why Dowman was sent off

Dowman received a straight red card in the 85th minute after reacting to a heavy challenge by Fleetwood’s Harrison Neal. He did not fully kick out, but his foot made contact with Neal.

He was dismissed for violent conduct. The laws quoted by BBC Sport define this as using or attempting to use excessive force or brutality against an opponent when not challenging for the ball. Contact is not required under that definition: an attempt can also qualify.

Which matches the ban covers

Arsenal were already short of wing options, with Bukayo Saka, Christos Tzolis and Noni Madueke injured. Their next Premier League match is away to Liverpool on Sunday, 1 November.

now.arsenal said on 28 October that the suspension carries into the Premier League and covers these three fixtures:

The same report said the domestic ban leaves Dowman eligible for Champions League games at Slavia Prague on 4 November and at home to Borussia Dortmund on 24 November. He can return to domestic action against Manchester City on 29 November.