Arsenal appeal rejected despite ex-ref arguing against red card

The Football Association has confirmed that an independent Regulatory Commission dismissed Arsenal's appeal against Max Dowman's red card. The youngster was sent off by referee Michael Salisbury during Arsenal's EFL Cup defeat against Fleetwood Town on Tuesday, October 27. The decision upholds a three-match domestic suspension, ruling Dowman out of upcoming fixtures against Liverpool, Hull City, and Newcastle United.

The rejection stands despite former Premier League referee Mark Halsey arguing that Dowman's action was petulance rather than violent conduct after reacting to a heavy challenge. Arsenal sought to overturn the dismissal amid injury concerns involving Bukayo Saka, Noni Madueke, and Christos Tzolis, though Dowman remains eligible to face Slavia Praha in the Champions League.