Arteta remains 'very disappointed' over Dowman red card after Arsenal's Carabao Cup exit to Fleetwood

Mikel Arteta says he remains “very disappointed” by the red card shown to 16-year-old Max Dowman during Arsenal’s shock Carabao Cup penalty shootout defeat to League Two Fleetwood Town on Tuesday, and used his pre-match press conference on Friday to reiterate his case against the decision.

The Gunners were eliminated after the tie finished 1-1 in normal time, with Bruno Guimarães missing a crucial spot kick — Jay Lynch diving low to his left to make the save — before Conor Haughey converted to seal a 5-3 shootout win for the Fishermen. Fleetwood will now face Everton in the quarter-finals on 15 December.

The result itself was overshadowed by the late dismissal of Dowman. With four minutes remaining, the teenager was dispossessed by Harrison Neal on the byline, with Neal trapping Dowman’s leg in the challenge. Dowman reacted by kicking out, prompting a fracas among players before referee Michael Salisbury produced a red card.

Arteta was visibly furious at the time and has not softened his stance since. “Very disappointed to be fair, especially with the reckless tackle that he received,” the Arsenal manager said. “His reaction is minimal compared to the action. It is what it is — we have put every argument on the table to make a case for it. Max’s action is clear, obviously we have a very different opinion. You have to read into the context, the age, the player. It could have been really bad and we’re really lucky today that he doesn’t have a broken foot.”

Arteta also addressed his own heated sideline reaction, acknowledging the emotional weight of the moment. “My reaction comes in a moment of heat and extreme frustration because I know the consequences of that, especially for Max,” he said. “We discussed it just before we went out and it will continue to happen unfortunately because of how he attracts opponents.”

The Spaniard was careful to balance his defence of Dowman with a reminder of the standards expected of the youngster. “He’s 16 and we have to be very protective of him, but also very straight with what we expect from him towards the team, individually and the club,” Arteta added.

Dowman’s red card now faces a standard review process, with Arsenal having lodged their arguments in an attempt to have the suspension overturned ahead of what promises to be a demanding run of fixtures for the club.