Dowman to miss three matches after appeal rejected

Arsenal's Max Dowman will miss three matches after an appeal against his sending-off during Tuesday's Carabao Cup loss at Fleetwood was rejected.

The 16-year-old midfielder received a straight red card in the 85th minute after reacting to a heavy challenge from Fleetwood's Harrison Neal.

Although Dowman did not fully kick out, his foot did make contact with Neal.

The game finished 1-1 before League Two Fleetwood beat the Premier League champions 5-3 on penalties.

Arsenal appealed Dowman's sending-off on Wednesday.

It was Dowman's second red card this month, having also been sent off while representing England's Under-19s.

As Dowman left the field, Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta gave him a scathing look and appeared to make an angry comment to the young winger.

Arteta said after the game: "When we prepared the context of the match, we were very clear on the things to respect, the things that emotionally we have to dominate. It was very clear."

Dowman was dismissed for violent conduct, which according to the laws of the game is when a player "uses or attempts to use excessive force or brutality against an opponent when not challenging for the ball... regardless of whether contact is made".

The Gunners were already light on options on the wing as Bukayo Saka, Christos Tzolis and Noni Madueke are currently out injured.

Arteta's side return to Premier League action away to Liverpool on Sunday.