Paul Merson calls out Mikel Arteta for scathing treatment of Max Dowman: 'He's a kid'

Merson criticised Arteta's public rebuke of 16-year-old Dowman after his red card against Fleetwood, arguing the manager would not have reacted the same way to a senior player.

Paul Merson has defended Max Dowman following the 16-year-old's straight red card in Arsenal's Carabao Cup exit to League Two side Fleetwood. Dowman was sent off for kicking out after receiving a heavy challenge from Fleetwood midfielder Harrison Neal, sparking a brawl near the touchline.

Merson criticised Mikel Arteta's reaction as Dowman left the pitch, claiming the Arsenal manager gave the teenager a scathing public dressing down that he would not have administered to a more experienced player. "You have to remember he is 16 years of age - he's a kid," Merson said on Sky Sports. "If that's Viktor Gyokeres, he isn't doing that."

Fellow pundit Jobi McAnuff agreed, describing Dowman's action as frustration born from a difficult performance in a high-pressure situation rather than serious ill-discipline. Dowman will miss Arsenal's next three games through suspension.