Arsenal teen Max Dowman receives three‑match ban after red card in Carabao Cup upset

Dowman's red card in the penalty‑shootout defeat to Fleetwood will see him miss Arsenal's next Premier League fixtures and a cup tie.

By Felo News Desk · Published Wed, 28 Oct 2026 03:14:06 GMT

Arsenal's 16‑year‑old midfielder Max Dowman was shown a red card for violent conduct during the Carabao Cup fourth‑round tie against Fleetwood Town, and a three‑match suspension was confirmed by the Premier League.

What happened

Fleetwood Town, a League Two side, beat Premier League champions Arsenal on penalties after a 1‑1 draw in the Carabao Cup on 27 Oct 2026. Dowman was sent off in the second half after kicking an opponent following a heavy challenge. Referee Michael Salisbury issued the red card, and Dowman left the field visibly shocked, covering his head with his shirt before heading down the tunnel.

What the reports add

According to the Independent, Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta spoke to Dowman as he left the pitch, telling him something they had already discussed before the match. The Standard reported that the Premier League’s official rules state that red‑card bans are carried over between domestic cup competitions and the league, meaning Dowman's suspension will affect upcoming Premier League games.

What was said

The Independent quoted Arteta as saying he "angrily" told Dowman something they had previously discussed, though the exact words were not reproduced. The Standard cited the Premier League website, which reads: “Premier League yellow cards are not carried over to the EFL Cup or FA Cup, but when players receive a red card, they ARE carried over to – and from – the domestic cup competitions.”

How it came about

Arsenal entered the fourth‑round tie after beating Everton and Ipswich Town, as reported in Felo’s preview article Arsenal face Fleetwood Town in Carabao Cup fourth round. The match marked a rare upset, with Fleetwood converting all five penalties and goalkeeper Jay Lynch saving a crucial kick. Dowman's dismissal came after Arsenal had already struggled to find rhythm, having made several changes to the starting XI.

Key facts

Max Dowman was sent off for violent conduct in Arsenal's Carabao Cup loss to Fleetwood Town. (independent.co.uk)
The Premier League confirmed a three‑match suspension for Dowman that will be served immediately. (standard.co.uk)
Dowman's ban will cause him to miss Arsenal's next Premier League match against Liverpool and two games around the November international break. (standard.co.uk)