Arteta sets same standards for Dowman after Fleetwood red card and failed appeal

Mikel Arteta says Max Dowman's age will not exempt him from the standards expected of Arsenal's first-team players after the teenager's dismissal against Fleetwood Town. According to BBC Sport, the manager addressed the incident on Friday, following Arsenal's unsuccessful appeal against the red card and with Dowman set to serve a three-match suspension.

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The 16-year-old was sent off in the 85th minute of Tuesday's Carabao Cup tie after reacting to a heavy challenge from Harrison Neal. Arsenal subsequently lost the match on penalties. Arteta spoke to Dowman as he left the pitch and said he had already discussed the need to handle provocation with the attacker before the game.

Explaining his response, Arteta said the exchange needed to be understood in the context of his relationship with Dowman and their pre-match conversation. He also disclosed that they had spoken again on Thursday, reporting no problems between them. His account distinguished the touchline reprimand from their continuing relationship, while making clear that he intended to communicate his expectations directly.

Dowman's dismissal followed another red card while playing for England's under-19 side against the United States earlier this month. BBC Sport reported that he had also faced heavy challenges in that match. Asked about that episode, Arteta pointed to the age of the opposing players and stressed that the youngster had to deal with the competitive environment around him.

The Arsenal manager also discussed the consequences for the team and his own anger at losing. He said the club devoted considerable care to Dowman, but that support would be accompanied by demands comparable to those placed on his team-mates. Arteta framed that approach as a matter of fairness within the squad, arguing that the teenager still had to earn his opportunities to play.

The Football Association upheld the sending-off despite Arsenal's appeal. Arteta expressed disappointment with that decision and said he believed Dowman had been fortunate to avoid a broken foot in the challenge. That was the manager's assessment of the incident, not an announcement of an injury. The unsuccessful appeal leaves the three-match ban in place.