Gallagher: Arsenal's Dowman red-card appeal will fail — SkimNews
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- Max Dowman was sent off for violent conduct after kicking out at Harrison Neal following Neal’s strong challenge late in Arsenal’s fourth-round Carabao Cup tie, which League Two side Fleetwood Town won on penalties.
- Arsenal must submit appeal documents by 1pm Thursday and is hopeful a decision arrives before Sunday’s match at Liverpool.
- Dermot Gallagher said the appeal will fail because Dowman’s aggressiveness showed intent, while he also judged Neal’s challenge reckless and deserving of a free kick and yellow card.
- Paul Merson called the red card harsh, argued Dowman’s retaliation was less severe than portrayed, and warned the 16-year-old will be kicked throughout his career as opponents target him.
- Mikel Arteta said his tunnel exchange with Dowman was something discussed before the match but refused to provide further detail.
- Jobi McAnuff and Paul Merson criticized Arteta’s reaction to Dowman: Merson said the manager should have put an arm around the 16-year-old, while McAnuff called Dowman’s frustration “petulant” and “naive.”
Why it matters: Arsenal’s 1pm Thursday deadline brings Dowman’s red-card status into focus before Sunday’s Liverpool match, with Gallagher expecting the decision to stand. Merson and McAnuff also fault Arteta’s handling of a 16-year-old after Neal’s challenge, making the manager’s response a substantive part of the case beyond the appeal.
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