FA make final decision on Max Dowman red card appeal as statement issued
The FA have confirmed their decision on Arsenal's appeal of Max Dowman's red card in the Carabao Cup clash with Fleetwood Town.
On Tuesday night, Arsenal youngster Dowman was shown a straight red card during their shock Carabao Cup loss to League Two side Fleetwood Town for violent conduct against Harrison Neal after kicking out in retaliation to a heavy challenge.
Shortly after the match, Arsenal confirmed that they were appealing the red card claiming it was both a wrongful dismissal and excessive punishment, both of which the FA has now rejected.
READ MORE: Mikel Arteta precedent on Arsenal red cards offers insight into Max Dowman dressing-down
FA release statement rejecting Arsenal's appeal against Max Dowman red card
As a consequence of his actions late in the match, Dowman was handed a three-match ban for the violent conduct, a punishment Arsenal deemed to be unfair.
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However, in an official statement, the FA have confirmed that the red card will remain in place, as will the ban for Arenal's next three domestic fixtures.
The statement read: "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 decision means Dowman will miss Arsenal's next three Premier League fixtures, those being Liverpool, Hull City and Newcastle United on November 1, 7 and 21 respectively.
He remains eligible for Champions League matches because the suspension only applies to domestic competitions
The news is a major blow for Dowman, who looked set to enjoy some regular minutes for Arsenal following injuries to Noni Madueke, Christos Tzolis and Bukayo Saka.
He may have even been in line for a start against Liverpool at Anfield on Sunday, but that is now not possible.
READ MORE: Arsenal fans are turning on Mikel Arteta for his reaction to Max Dowman's red card vs Fleetwood
Mikel Arteta's reaction to Max Dowman red card is not good news for Arsenal youngster
Immediately after the red card, it appeared that Arteta was not at all happy with his future star, clearly exchanging some angry words with him before staring at him as he left the pitch.
Post-match, he revealed that the pair had actually discussed discipline going into the match, with Arteta warning that the match was likely to be a physical affair.
When asked what had been said as Dowman left the pitch, Arteta replied: “It was something that we discussed before the game.”
Commenting on the red card incident, he added: “I haven’t seen it with the camera. You can’t really see what happens.
“The decision was made by the referee and that’s it.
“And even with ten men, we have three big chances to score the second goal.”
Topics: Arsenal, Carabao Cup, Football News, FA
Ben McCrum