Max Dowman has no excuse but I’d have got away with much worse in my Arsenal days

Former Arsenal defender Nigel Winterburn stated that 16-year-old Max Dowman must learn from his Carabao Cup red card against Fleetwood Town, though Winterburn believes the dismissal reflects how football has become less physical compared to his playing days. Dowman received the first senior red card of his career on Wednesday after reacting to a strong tackle from Harrison Neal. Arsenal failed in their appeal, leaving the teenager facing a three-match suspension.

Winterburn argued that Dowman's reaction was not severe enough to warrant a red card, suggesting the referee was influenced by the reactions of other players. Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta had warned his team about the physical test from League Two opponents, and Winterburn compared the cup upset to his own experience playing in Arsenal's famous 1992 FA Cup loss to Wrexham.