Ex-refs chief drops Max Dowman verdict after re-analysing Arsenal vs Fleetwood footage

Former PGMOL chief Keith Hackett says Dowman's red card was justified despite the Fleetwood challenge that provoked it deserving only a yellow.

Max Dowman became Arsenal's youngest ever player to be sent off in Tuesday's Carabao Cup penalty defeat to League Two side Fleetwood. The 16-year-old received a straight red in the 84th minute after kneeing Fleetwood midfielder Harrison Neal in the chest following a strong tackle by Neal that caught Dowman's leg at a potentially serious angle.

Former PGMOL chief and FIFA referee Keith Hackett has analysed the incident and told Football Insider that while Neal's challenge deserved a yellow card, Dowman's retaliation left referee Michael Salisbury with no choice but to send him off. "The reaction of the Arsenal player, who kicked out at his opponent, left the referee with little option to issue a red card," Hackett said. "The retaliation is the one that is easily detected by the officials."

Arsenal are reportedly appealing the decision. The red card has dominated post-match discussion, with Dowman's future at the club now uncertain. Several clubs including Rangers and Celtic have registered interest in signing him on loan, and manager Mikel Arteta may now sanction a temporary move.