Arsenal's Max Dowman Red Card Appeal Will Fail, Says Ex-Premier League Referee Dermot Gallagher

Former Premier League referee Dermot Gallagher says Arsenal's appeal against Max Dowman's red card in their Carabao Cup defeat to Fleetwood Town is likely to be rejected. Gallagher, now a refereeing analyst for Sky Sports, described Dowman's challenge as 'aggressive' and believes the decision will stand. The incident occurred during Arsenal's shock 2-1 loss to League One side Fleetwood Town, a result that stunned fans and pundits alike. Dowman, a young midfielder, was sent off for a tackle that Gallagher says crossed the line. 'When you look at the replay, he goes in with excessive force and endangers the opponent,' Gallagher explained. 'The FA will likely see it the same way.' Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has not commented publicly on the appeal, but the club is expected to challenge the three-match ban. The red card compounds a difficult night for the Gunners, who fielded a rotated squad and were outplayed by their lower-league opponents. If the appeal fails, Dowman will miss key fixtures, adding to Arsenal's midfield concerns. The FA is set to rule on the appeal within 48 hours. For Arsenal, the focus now shifts to the Premier League, where they must regroup quickly to maintain their title challenge.