Arsenal fans explode as FA release 'embarrassing' Max Dowman ban update

Arsenal's appeal of Max Dowman's three-game ban for his red card against Fleetwood has been dismissed by an independent FA panel.

Arsenal's 16-year-old Max Dowman, who became the youngest player ever sent off in the club's history, will serve a three-game suspension after the FA upheld his dismissal. Dowman was shown red in the 84th minute against League Two side Fleetwood for kneeing opponent Harrison Neal in the chest after Neal had challenged him forcefully by the touchline. Arsenal appealed the decision, but an independent panel has now dismissed claims of both wrongful dismissal and excessive punishment.

The incident occurred during a shock penalty shootout defeat to Fleetwood in what was described as one of the biggest surprise wins in English cup history, with the Cods winning 5-3 on spot-kicks after a 3-3 draw. Dowman will miss Arsenal's upcoming trips to Liverpool and Slavia Prague, as well as their home league clash against Hull City. Former PGMOL boss Mark Hackett told Football Insider that while Fleetwood's initial challenge was reckless and warranted a yellow card, Dowman's retaliatory kick left the referee with little option but to issue red.