According to a report by London Evening Standard on Wednesday October 28, 2026, Arsenal have reportedly appealed the straight red card shown to teenage winger Max Dowman during their shock Carabao Cup defeat to Fleetwood Town, as the club attempts to overturn his three-match suspension.

The 16-year-old was dismissed for violent conduct during Tuesday night's fourth-round encounter at Highbury Stadium.

The Gunners suffered a humiliating exit after losing 5-3 on penalties following a 1-1 draw against the League Two outfit. Arsenal dominated proceedings with 78 per cent possession and 26 attempts, while the hosts managed just three shots.

However, Aaron Loupalo-Bi gave Fleetwood the lead in the 21st minute before Viktor Gyokeres restored parity five minutes into the second half. The Swedish striker scored his first goal of the season after Mikel Arteta introduced Martin Odegaard and Ben White at the interval.

Dowman received his marching orders in the 85th minute after kicking out at Fleetwood midfielder Harrison Neal following a heavy challenge. Referee Michael Salisbury issued a straight red card, with no VAR available to review the incident.

Arsenal continued with ten men, but goalkeeper Jay Lynch denied White and Odegaard during stoppage time to send the contest into a shootout. Bruno Guimaraes subsequently missed his penalty before Conor Haughey converted the decisive kick for Fleetwood.

Dowman's dismissal could have significant consequences, as his three-match ban applies to domestic competitions. He is scheduled to miss Sunday's trip to Liverpool, the home fixture against Hull City on November 7 and the Newcastle United clash on November 21. He could return against Manchester City on November 29.

The suspension does not affect Arsenal's Champions League campaign, leaving him available for the matches against Slavia Prague on November 4 and Borussia Dortmund on November 24.

Arsenal have previously succeeded with a similar appeal. In January 2025, an independent regulatory commission overturned Myles Lewis-Skelly's dismissal and removed his three-match suspension.

Former PGMOL chief Keith Hackett argued that Dowman's reaction warranted punishment, although he believed Neal's initial challenge deserved at least a yellow card.