Arsenal have lost their appeal against the red card and three-match suspension handed to teenage midfielder Max Dowman following the club’s League Cup defeat to Fleetwood Town.
The English Football Association confirmed on Thursday, October 29, that an independent regulatory commission had rejected Arsenal’s claims of wrongful dismissal and excessive punishment.
Dowman was sent off in the 85th minute of Tuesday’s fourth-round encounter after kicking out at Harrison Neal following a heavy challenge.
Arsenal had challenged both the decision to dismiss the 16-year-old and the severity of the punishment, but the commission upheld the referee’s decision and confirmed the three-match domestic suspension.
The suspension means Dowman will miss Arsenal’s upcoming domestic fixtures against Liverpool, Hull City and Newcastle United.
He is not expected to return to domestic action until Arsenal face Manchester City on November 29.
However, the punishment does not extend to European competitions, meaning the teenager remains eligible for Arsenal’s Champions League fixture against Slavia Prague on November 4.
The decision adds to Arsenal’s disappointment following their elimination from the competition by fourth-tier Fleetwood Town, who won 5-3 on penalties after a 1-1 draw.
The FA said the commission’s written reasons for rejecting the appeal would be published later.
