Arsenal have failed in their attempt to overturn Max Dowman’s three-game suspension.
The teenager received a straight red card against Fleetwood Town on Tuesday night after reacting to a late challenge from Harrison Neal. The referee deemed his not-quite-a-kick on the midfielder to be violent conduct, and the club’s appeal has failed to secure either a reversal of the decision or a reduction in the ban.
A statement from the FA reads:
An independent Regulatory Commission has dismissed claims of both wrongful dismissal and excessive punishment for Max Dowman. The Arsenal player was sent off during their EFL Cup game against Fleetwood Town on Tuesday 27 October and will be suspended for three matches. The Regulatory Commission’s written reasons for its decisions will be published in due course.
The Gunners had little to lose by appealing, but will be frustrated that the red card and the full three-match punishment have been upheld. Dowman’s reaction was certainly ill-advised, although there was precious little force involved. A ban of that length still feels heavy-handed.
He will now miss Sunday’s trip to Anfield, Hull’s visit to the Emirates and the game at Newcastle after the Interlull. The suspension does not apply to European competition, so he remains available for Wednesday’s Champions League game in Prague.
It’s a tough lesson for the youngster, who will have to take this one on the chin. With options already limited on the flanks, it’s also a headache for Arteta. The manager’s angry reaction towards the Hale End graduate attracted scrutiny on the night, and he’ll no doubt be asked about both that and the failed appeal when he faces the media tomorrow.