Ref Watch: Arsenal's red card appeal will fail - Dowman was aggressive

Former Premier League referee Dermot Gallagher predicts Arsenal's appeal against Max Dowman's red card will fail, citing the defender's aggressive kicking action.

Max Dowman was sent off for violent conduct in Arsenal's Carabao Cup fourth-round defeat to Fleetwood Town after kicking out at Harrison Neal following a strong tackle. Arsenal are appealing the decision and must submit documents by 1pm Thursday, hoping for a ruling before their Liverpool match on Sunday.

Former Premier League referee Dermot Gallagher told Sky Sports News he believes the appeal will fail. "I don't, because of the aggressiveness of Dowman, and you can see the intent," he said. "He knows what he's doing. He almost brings his knee up in a kicking action." Gallagher added that Neal should have received a yellow card for a reckless challenge.

Sky Sports pundit Paul Merson disagreed with the red card decision, calling it harsh, but warned the 16-year-old Dowman must learn to handle strong challenges. Merson also criticised manager Mikel Arteta's reaction to the sending-off, saying he should have put an arm around the teenager rather than leaning in to speak to him.