Arsenal lose Max Dowman appeal as three-match suspension stands

Max Dowman will serve a three-match suspension after Arsenal failed to overturn his red card in their Carabao Cup defeat at Fleetwood Town. The Football Association confirmed on Thursday that an independent commission had rejected the club's challenges to both the dismissal and the length of the punishment, according to reporting by Sky Sports and RTÉ.

Watch the highlights:

The 16-year-old was dismissed for violent conduct in the 85th minute of Tuesday's tie following an incident with Harrison Neal. BBC Sport reported that Dowman's foot made contact with the Fleetwood player after a heavy challenge. Referee Michael Salisbury showed a straight red card, leaving Arsenal to finish the match with ten players.

Sky Sports reported that the ban covers Arsenal's next three domestic fixtures: the away game against Liverpool, the home meeting with Hull and the trip to Newcastle. The unsuccessful appeal therefore rules Dowman out of matches on both sides of the international break, starting with Sunday's visit to Liverpool.

Arsenal had submitted their appeal on Wednesday, BBC Sport reported. The FA said the commission's written reasons would be released later, according to RTÉ, so the detailed explanation for rejecting the club's arguments was not yet available. The outcome leaves both the original sending-off and the full three-game sanction in place.

The dismissal came during a cup exit in which League Two Fleetwood won 5-3 on penalties after a 1-1 draw. RTÉ reported that Aaron Loupalo-Bi put the hosts ahead in the 21st minute before Viktor Gyokeres equalised after half-time. Fleetwood goalkeeper Jay Lynch denied Bruno Guimaraes in the shootout, and 19-year-old defender Conor Haughey converted the penalty that sent the hosts into the quarter-finals.

Dowman was making his second start of the season, according to BBC Sport, which also reported that he had been sent off for England's under-19 side earlier this month. After the Fleetwood match, Mikel Arteta said his players had been given clear instructions about maintaining emotional control. The failed appeal now confirms another interruption to the teenager's availability.