[Keith Hackett
Keith Hackett](https://www.footballinsider247.com/author/keith-hackett)
That is according to former PGMOL chief and FIFA referee, Keith Hackett, who has exclusively told Football Insider that the Arsenal starlet deserved to be sent off despite an initially poor challenge from a Fleetwood player.
Sixteen-year-old Dowman became the youngest player ever to be sent off in Arsenal's history on Tuesday night after receiving his marching orders.
Aaron Loupalo-Bi opened the scoring in the first half before Viktor Gyokeres equalised in the second period with his first strike of the campaign.
The surprise red card for Dowman has been the biggest talking point on social media, with Arsenal fans fuming at the decision.
Max Dowman rightly sent off after retaliation to heavy Fleetwood tackle
Fleetwood midfielder Harrison Neal went in strong on Dowman by the touchline in the 84th minute, winning the ball but nearly catching the teenager's leg at a potentially serious angle.
Salisbury produced a straight red card, and reports have since claimed that Arsenal are set to appeal the decision.
Hackett believes that the sending off was deserved, even though Neal initiated the response from Dowman with a tackle that deserved a booking, and does not expect Arsenal to be successful with an appeal lodged on Wednesdsay trying to overturn the decision.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, he said: "I've looked at this, it is a reckless challenge by the Fleetwood player that should have resulted in a yellow card.
"The reaction of the Arsenal player, who kicked out at his opponent, left the referee with little option to issue a red card. The retaliation is the one that is easily detected by the officials."
Dowman's actions will not have done him any favours when it comes to earning a regular spot in Mikel Arteta's squad or starting eleven going forward.
His rapid rise to stardom has seen several clubs register an interest in signing him on loan, with sources revealing to Football Insider that Rangers and Celtic are each admirers of Dowman.
Arsenal are yet to decide whether to let him leave midway through the campaign, but this latest saga may push Arteta towards sanctioning a loan deal.