FA makes final decision on Max Dowman red card appeal and shares official statement
The FA has made its final call on Arsenal’s appeal against Max Dowman’s red card in the Carabao Cup game against Fleetwood Town.
On Tuesday night, young Arsenal player Dowman was given a straight red card after reacting violently to a tough challenge from Harrison Neal, kicking out in retaliation. This came during Arsenal’s surprising loss to League Two side Fleetwood Town.
Right after the match, Arsenal said they would appeal the red card, saying it was unfair and the punishment too harsh. However, the FA has now turned down their appeal.
As a result, Dowman has been handed a three-match suspension for violent conduct, a punishment Arsenal thought was too strict.
The FA confirmed in a statement: “An independent Regulatory Commission has rejected the claims that Max Dowman’s red card was wrong and that the punishment was too harsh. He will miss the next three domestic games.”
This means Dowman will miss Arsenal’s upcoming Premier League matches against Liverpool, Hull City, and Newcastle on November 1, 7, and 21. But he can still play in Champions League games since the ban only applies to domestic competitions.
This is a tough setback for Dowman, who was expected to get more playing time due to injuries to key players like Noni Madueke, Christos Tzolis, and Bukayo Saka. He might even have started against Liverpool, but now he can’t.
Right after the red card, Arteta clearly looked upset, talking sharply with Dowman as he left the field. After the game, Arteta said they had actually warned Dowman before the match about staying disciplined since it would be a tough, physical game.
When asked what he said to Dowman, Arteta replied, “It was something we discussed before the game.”
About the red card, Arteta added: “I haven’t seen the clip. You can’t really tell what happened. The referee made the call, and that’s final. Even with ten men, we had three great chances to score a second goal.”