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Arsenal’s Dowman red-card appeal faces likely rejection

By Drooid · Oct 28, 2026 · How we work

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Summary

Arsenal must appeal Max Dowman's red card by 1 pm Thursday before the Liverpool match.
Former referee Dermot Gallagher said the appeal is unlikely because of Dowman's aggressive intent.
Mikel Arteta said the squad received a briefing on lower-league physicality.
Paul Merson criticised Arteta and urged support for the 16-year-old after the red card.
Dowman's second red card this month follows an England U-19 dismissal, raising disciplinary concerns.

Summary

Fleetwood Town beat Premier League champions Arsenal 5-3 on penalties after a 1-1 draw.
Goalkeeper Jay Lynch saved Bruno Guimarães’ penalty before Conor Haughey scored the winning spot-kick.
Aaron Loupalo-Bi gave Fleetwood the early lead in the 21st minute.
Viktor Gyökeres equalised for Arsenal five minutes into the second half.
Fleetwood, 18th in League Two, reached the Cup quarter-finals for the first time.

Summary

If his appeal fails, Arsenal’s Dowman will miss Premier League matches against Liverpool, Hull City and Newcastle United.
The three-match ban does not apply to Arsenal’s Champions League tie with Slavia Prague on 4 November.
Injuries to Bukayo Saka and Noni Madueke force Arsenal to reshuffle the right flank.
Declan Rice has a 75 % chance of playing against Liverpool, limiting Arsenal’s midfield options.

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Arsenal Appeals Dowman

Arsenal must appeal Max Dowman's red card by 1 pm Thursday before the Liverpool match.
Former referee Dermot Gallagher said the appeal is unlikely because of Dowman's aggressive intent.
Mikel Arteta said the squad received a briefing on lower-league physicality.
Paul Merson criticised Arteta and urged support for the 16-year-old after the red card.
Dowman's second red card this month follows an England U-19 dismissal, raising disciplinary concerns.

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