Mikel Arteta fires new Max Dowman warning as Arsenal boss hits back: 'This isn't Disneyland'

Arteta defended his angry reaction to Dowman's red card, saying the teenager must face harsh truths and that Arsenal operates at Premier League standards, not a softer environment.

Mikel Arteta has doubled down on his criticism of Max Dowman following the 16-year-old's red card in Arsenal's Carabao Cup defeat to Fleetwood. Dowman was sent off late in the match for reacting to a heavy challenge, and Arsenal's appeal to overturn a three-match suspension was unsuccessful.

Arteta revealed he had warned Dowman before kick-off about how to handle rough treatment from opponents, and said the teenager's reaction to being tackled was disproportionate to the challenge itself. The manager insisted he was not out of character in his angry response as Dowman left the pitch, comparing his approach to how parents must sometimes deliver hard truths to their children.

Defending his stance, Arteta said he cannot treat Dowman differently from other players despite his age and potential. "We are in the Premier League at this level," Arteta said. "This is the environment and this is the reality. Otherwise, we are in Disneyland." Dowman has now received two red cards this month, having also been dismissed while on England Under-19 duty.