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RIATH AL-SAMARRAI: Here’s what I’ve heard privately about Max Dowman that proves he will come out of Mikel Arteta scolding a stronger player – and why he’ll have dealt with far worse already

RIATH AL-SAMARRAI: Mikel Arteta didn't require the hysteria of the past week to know a thing or two about dubious reactions. Let's revisit something that happened to him in November 2010.

By Riath Al-Samarrai · Daily Mail

Published: Saturday, 31 October 2026 at 2:00 AM

Key Things to Know

Riath Al-Samarrai argues Mikel Arteta was right to scold Max Dowman following his red card against Fleetwood Town.
Dowman was sent off after kicking Fleetwood's Harrison Neal in retaliation to a heavy challenge.
Pundits Paul Merson and Gabby Agbonlahor criticized Arteta for giving the 16-year-old a cold reception.

The Story in 60 Seconds

Riath Al-Samarrai argues that 16-year-old Arsenal prospect Max Dowman has the mental resilience to handle Mikel Arteta's strict response following his red card against Fleetwood Town. Dowman was sent off after retaliating against Harrison Neal during Arsenal's defeat, leading Arteta to publicly state that professional football is not Disneyland.

Al-Samarrai reports that Dowman's background in Arsenal's demanding academy system has already prepared him for adversity. Despite criticism from pundits like Paul Merson and Gabby Agbonlahor over Arteta's harsh reaction, the writer contends that Arteta handled the situation appropriately to help the teenager develop.

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