---
title: "Arsenal Max Dowman Red Card Appeal Faces Rejection, Says Dermot Gallagher"
canonical: "https://readarsenal.com/2026/10/29/max-dowman-red-card-appeal-arsenal/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "Lucie Turner"
section: "Arsenal News"
published: "2026-10-29T11:00:00Z"
modified: "2026-10-29T11:00:00Z"
---

# Arsenal Max Dowman Red Card Appeal Faces Rejection, Says Dermot Gallagher

Former Premier League official Dermot Gallagher has said he thinks Arsenal won’t be successful in their appeal against Max Dowman’s red card in their Carabao Cup loss to Fleetwood Town.

The 16-year-old Arsenal winger was shown a red card for violent conduct after lashing out at Harrison Neal after a strong challenge from the Fleetwood defender. The Gunners then lost the fourth-round tie on penalties.

Arsenal are appealing the sending off of Max Dowman. They need to have their paperwork in by 1pm today (Thursday). They will be hoping to get a decision before their Premier League game against Liverpool on Sunday.

But Gallagher does not think they will be successful in their appeal as he believes there was clear intent from Dowman.

“I think it was a red card for the actions of the teenager,” Gallagher said.

He also thinks the referee should have given Arsenal a free kick as well as booking Neal for his challenge on Dowman.

## **Dermot Gallagher Explains Why Arsenal’s Appeal Could Fail**

Gallagher told Sky Sports News that the attitude of Dowman could be an issue for Arsenal in their red card appeal.

“I think he went out of his way to kick his leg up. It makes it difficult to overturn the decision,” Gallagher said.

“He’s got more of an aggressive reaction than what Cole Palmer had recently with Mateus Fernandes.”

But Gallagher was critical of the challenge made by Neal on the Arsenal youngster. He said that while Fleetwood’s defender did win the ball back, he didn’t think the challenge was made with enough consideration for Dowman’s safety.

“I think he should have got a free-kick and a yellow card,” he added.

The debate leaves Arsenal facing a difficult decision ahead of their Premier League fixture against Liverpool. If the appeal fails, Dowman’s dismissal will stand.

## **Paul Merson Questions Max Dowman’s Red Card**

Sky Sports pundit Paul Merson said he disagreed with Gallagher’s comments, saying it was a harsh red card.

“It was a classic old fashioned tackle. He (Neal) wins the ball and then follows through. I think the reaction from the players might have had something to do with the referee giving Dowman a red card.”

Merson also warned the young Gunner that he will always be a target for opposition players.

Dowman has had disciplinary problems in the past, being sent off whilst playing for England against the USA. Merson feels the youngster needs to learn to control his emotions and not get caught up in the taunts of opposition players.

The incident has also raised more questions over how Arsenal are developing one of their most promising young talents.

## **Mikel Arteta Faces Questions Over Max Dowman Reaction**

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta also attracted criticism for his reaction to Dowman after the Carabao Cup defeat to Fleetwood Town.

As the teenager walked towards the tunnel, Arteta leaned towards him and spoke to him. Merson questioned the approach, arguing that the Arsenal manager should have offered reassurance to the 16-year-old instead.

Arteta declined to reveal exactly what he told Dowman, explaining only that they had discussed the matter before the match.

The Arsenal boss also said the team had prepared for the emotional challenges they expected to face during the tie.

Jobi McAnuff similarly questioned Arteta’s response, arguing that Dowman remains young and will inevitably make mistakes as he develops.

Arsenal must now wait for the outcome of their red card appeal. With Liverpool next on the fixture list, the decision could have important implications for Arteta’s selection plans.