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Mikel Arteta has opened up on Max Dowman's red card after the Arsenal manager faced criticism for his furious response to the teenager being sent off during the Gunners' Carabao Cup loss to Fleetwood Town. With the score level, Dowman reacted following a physical challenge from Harrison Neal. The 16-year-old hit out at his opponent, who remained on the ground, resulting in a red card and triggering a confrontation between both sides.
Arteta was visibly furious on the touchline and was seen having an animated exchange with Dowman as the youngster headed towards the tunnel in the closing stages of the match.
Sky Sports pundit Jobi McAnuff expressed surprise at the dismissal, but highlighted Arteta delivering some harsh words to the youngster as he departed the pitch.
He said: "I'm really surprised. Listen, maybe you know it's a bit of naivety, he's a young lad. But he [Arteta] gives him a proper talking-to as he goes down the tunnel.
"Clearly not happy with that ill-discipline. But we do have to remember he's a young boy - he's a kid - in a really high-pressure situation.
"I can't understand Mikel Arteta's reaction. Listen, he probably feels frustrated, he's the manager, he probably feels it's a bit petulant, a bit naive, which is what I think it is.
"It's not really a full kick, his knee's kind of already in contact with the player, it's almost like a flick out really [after] the meaty challenge. It's frustration from Max Dowman after a bit of a difficult night.
"But when we see the reaction from Mikel Arteta, we have to remember, this is a 16-year-old kid. Yes, he's got an Arsenal shirt on; yes, he's a fantastic talent.
"He's going to make some mistakes along the way. I just felt the reaction, I didn't like it at all. He's obviously given him a little bit going down the tunnel."
After the match, Arteta commented on the red card: "It's difficult to see on the cameras so I'd prefer to watch it back properly and then I can assess the situation."
When questioned about what he specifically told the teenager, he replied: "Something that we discussed already before the match."
Arteta went on to emphasise that he couldn't criticise the players' attitude, adding: "The attitude I have zero [problems with] otherwise I would be here absolutely fuming.
"I'm sad. I think we are all sad. We have the responsibility to carry this badge in the best possible way. It had nothing to do with effort, application or determination to go and win it, but we lacked other things to create a much bigger margin, and the ability should have been shown in the scoreline."
In a conversation with the BBC, Arteta clarified that he'd previously cautioned his Arsenal squad about their temperament, repeating: "Something that we discussed already before the match."
Former Arsenal man Paul Merson believed it was a harsh red card and said: "If they'd have had VAR they might have looked at it again.
"I feel for the lad. He's 16, hasn't had the greatest night, is a bit frustrated and has kicked away. I'd be interested to see what Mikel Arteta said to him when he walked off."
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