Arsenal star Max Dowman is facing a three-match ban after his red card against Fleetwood.
Max Dowman
Max Dowman's red card could be overturned. (Image: Getty Images)
Arsenal will appeal the red card issued to Max Dowman during the Gunners' humiliating loss to Fleetwood Town. The youngster was sent off late in proceedings against the League Two outfit. He was caught lashing out by the referee after a robust tackle, which sparked a mass confrontation at Highbury. Dowman was duly shown the first red card of his club career and now faces a three-match domestic suspension for violent conduct.
However, it seems the reigning Premier League champions disagree with the verdict. Arsenal will contest the red card in a bid to have the ban overturned.
The club must lodge the necessary paperwork with the FA by 1pm on Thursday, with Arsenal officials eager to have the matter settled before Sunday's encounter with Liverpool at Anfield.
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta remained fairly cautious when questioned about Dowman's sending-off. Speaking in his post-match press conference, he said: "I haven't seen it back, and with the camera you can't really see what happens.
"The decision was made by the referee, and that's it. Even with 10 men, we had three big chances to score. We know when we prepare the context of the match, we're very clear on what to expect. Emotionally, we have to dominate, but we're very clear."
Arteta was also seen delivering a furious response to Dowman following his red card, though the Arsenal manager chose to keep quiet about the specifics of their exchange. The Gunners boss added: "It's something that we discussed before the game."
Arsenal legend Paul Merson was far from impressed with Arteta's reaction to Dowman's dismissal. He said: "You have to remember he is 16 years of age - he's a kid.
"He wasn't having the greatest of nights so he's going to get frustrated. He gets the chance every now and then to play for Arsenal.
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Max Dowman
Arsenal are appealing Max Dowman's red card. (Image: Getty Images)
"He probably feels he should be playing more. He gets the chance tonight, isn't doing too great. It's an old-fashioned tackle.
"If that's Viktor Gyokeres, he [Arteta] isn't doing that. That's what I don't like. If it's an experienced international, I don't think he does that. He's a human being. He's not the last person to get sent off for Arsenal and he's not the first."
The 16-year-old Dowman made his Arsenal debut last season, going on to rack up 13 appearances across all competitions. He netted a memorable goal against Everton to edge the North London club closer to Premier League glory.
He also bagged a brace in Arsenal's victory over Ipswich in the previous Carabao Cup round. Arsenal's run in the tournament was ultimately brought to an end as they fell to a penalty shootout defeat against Fleetwood, with Bruno Guimaraes seeing his spot kick saved.