Arsenal will appeal against the sending off of Max Dowman in Tuesday’s Carabao Cup tie at Fleetwood.
The 16-year-old midfielder received a straight red card in the 85th minute after reacting to a strong challenge from Fleetwood’s Harrison Neal.
Although Dowman didn’t fully kick out, his foot made contact with Neal.
The match finished 1-1 before League Two Fleetwood beat the Premier League champions 5-3 on penalties.
It was Dowman’s second red card this month, having also been sent off while representing the England Under-19s.
As Dowman left the pitch, Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta gave him a scathing look and made what appeared to be an angry comment to the young winger.
Arteta said after the match: “When we prepared the context of the match, we were very clear about the things we have to respect, the things we have to dominate emotionally. It was very clear.”
Dowman was dismissed for violent conduct, which, according to the laws of the game, occurs when a player “uses or attempts to use excessive force or brutality against an opponent when not attempting to recover the ball…regardless of whether contact is made.”
As it stands, Dowman will face a three-match suspension.
The Gunners already had few options on the wing as Bukayo Saka, Christos Tzolis and Noni Madueke are currently injured.
Arteta’s side return to Premier League action at Liverpool on Sunday.
Gn sports
