Arsenal Appeal Dismissed As Fleetwood Cup Upset Costs Dowman

Dowman to serve three-game ban as Arsenal appeal fails

Arsenal's attempt to overturn Max Dowman's dismissal in their stunning EFL Cup exit to Fleetwood has been rejected, leaving the teenage sensation facing an immediate three-match suspension.

Arsenal's Dowman faces Liverpool miss after failed red card appeal...

Arsenal's appeal over Max Dowman's red card has been rejected after their surprise EFL Cup exit at Fleetwood, with an independent panel upholding the decision against the Premier League champions.

The highly-rated teenager was dismissed for kicking out at Harrison Neal after a heavy challenge late on, in the 85th minute of a tie Arsenal went on to lose on penalties following a 1-1 draw.

Arsenal lodged an appeal, but the Football Association confirmed on Thursday that an independent commission rejected arguments for both wrongful dismissal and excessive punishment regarding Dowman.

Regulation & Discipline update on @Arsenal: https://t.co/FZuSVXvRF5

— FA Spokesperson (@FAspokesperson) October 29, 2026

Aged 16, Dowman now faces an immediate three-game ban for violent conduct, starting with Arsenal's Premier League clash at Liverpool on Sunday.

Arteta's team, joint-top with Manchester City, will look to respond at Anfield after the huge upset, while fourth-tier Fleetwood advance to face Premier League opposition in Everton or Newcastle in the EFL Cup quarter-finals.