Arsenal youngster Max Dowman was sent off in his side's Carabao Cup fourth-round defeat at Fleetwood Town on Tuesday evening
Max Dowman
Max Dowman saw red in Arsenal's Carabao Cup defeat at Fleetwood Town
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During an old-school three-minute media scrum in the mouth of Fleetwood's Highbury Stadium tunnel, Mikel Arteta's frustration with Max Dowman was clear.
The downbeat Spaniard's demeanour already told its own story following the 16-year-old's dismissal and arguably the greatest League Cup upset in English football history but he threw in a few digs anyway for good measure.
"When we prepared the context of the match, we were very clear on the things to expect - the things that emotionally we have to dominate and it was very clear," Arteta explained.
The Premier League title-winning boss then added when pushed on what he shouted towards Dowman as the fresh-faced teenager vacated the pitch: "Something that we discussed before the game."
Dowman was simply wrong to react and he paid the ultimate price for his inexperience. But that is not why the star-studded top-flight champions lost and he should also be cut some slack because Harrison Neal's scissor challenge was dangerous.
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Neal played the ball cleanly first but the forceful follow-through could easily have injured Dowman's trailing leg as his foot became trapped.
Of course, there are more dignified ways to conduct yourself against League Two opposition but the Hale End gem would not be human if he were willing to let such a tackle slide.
That edge and self-confidence, on top of his remarkable talent, are largely why he's been fast-tracked to the top because most young players would have shrunk into their shell.
It also should not be forgotten that last December, Dowman suffered ankle ligament damage as a result of a nasty challenge in a behind-closed-doors U21s friendly against Manchester United at St George's Park.
While Arteta was well within his rights to feel aggrieved with his player, his venomous touchline outburst wasn't necessary.
It felt like the 44-year-old used the controversial flashpoint to vent his frustration with his side's dismal performance because after the game, he conceded that he did not even see what had happened.
Arsenal's appeal indicates an internal sense of injustice and the call also sends a powerful message of support for Dowman from the club.
Max Dowman leaves the pitch
Arsenal are appealing Max Dowman's red card(Image: Lewis Storey, Getty Images)
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Sadly, the Gunners' majestic record-breaker better get used to facing malicious challenges as opponents will seek to target him now that he has snapped.
Incidents like this are unfortunately just part of the development arc but for Arsenal, the greater concern is that this was Dowman's second red card of the month having also received his marching orders for England U19s in a 2-1 defeat to the United States in Marbella.
With his exceptional dribbling ability and agility, he is bound to be kicked because it's the only way some defenders can get close to him.
He is not a petulant character but he must now understand the consequences of his actions. Equally, he needs protection from both his coaches and officials.
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Wayne Rooney, whose temperament was a hot topic following his box-office breakthrough on Merseyside, only played 10 times for Everton before his 17th birthday, while Dowman has already made 18 senior appearances across all competitions for Arsenal.
Those numbers should serve as confirmation that he is destined for superstardom, which is why it's so hard to understand the clamour for him to be villainised.