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The hypocrisy of Mikel Arteta’s scathing reaction towards ‘kid’ Max Dowman

Arteta preached the need to ‘emotionally dominate’ after Arsenal’s humiliating Carabao Cup exit but failed to keep his own emotions in check when 16-year-old Max Dowman was sent off, writes Will Castle…

By Will Castle · Independent

Published: Wednesday, 28 October 2026 at 11:53 AM

Key Things to Know

The Independent's Will Castle criticizes Mikel Arteta for publicly rebuking 16-year-old Max Dowman after his red card.
Max Dowman received a straight red card for kicking out against Fleetwood, leading to a three-match suspension.
Arsenal were knocked out of the Carabao Cup on penalties following the dismissal.

The Story in 60 Seconds

Writing for The Independent, Will Castle argues that Mikel Arteta displayed hypocrisy by publicly reprimanding 16-year-old Max Dowman following the teenager's red card in Arsenal's Carabao Cup defeat to Fleetwood. Dowman was dismissed for kicking out after a challenge from Harrison Neal, leaving Arsenal with 10 men shortly before they lost on penalties.

Castle criticizes Arteta for losing his temper on the touchline despite preaching emotional control to his squad. The writer, echoed by former Arsenal midfielder Paul Merson, argues that Arteta should have managed his reaction in private rather than publicly criticizing a young player.

Read the full article on Independent

The hypocrisy of Mikel Arteta’s scathing reaction towards ‘kid’ Max Dowman

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