The FA Slammed By Piers Morgan For ‘Disgraceful’ Statement After Max Dowman’s Red Card

Max Dowman was shown a red card for the first time in his professional career as Arsenal were shocked by League Two outfit Fleetwood in the Carabao Cup fourth round on Tuesday evening.

The English wonderkid was named in the starting lineup for the match at Highbury Stadium. However, he was shown his marching orders with four minutes remaining after being adjudged to have kicked out at Harrison Neal.

Dowman, considered one of the best young players in world football, was not happy at all with Neal following a heavy challenge and he couldn’t resist reacting. Dowman’s actions caused a mini-scuffle between both sets of players and he was sent off.

Arsenal went on to lose the match in a penalty shootout. Bruno Guimaraes’ miss from 12 yards gave Conor Haughey the chance to win it for the underdogs, and the 19-year-old made no mistake as he sent his side through to the fifth round.

Mikel Arteta was not happy with Dowman following his red card. He gave him a scathing look as he made his way to the dressing room. He then said after the match:

“When we prepared the context of the match, we were very clear on the things to respect, the things that emotionally we have to dominate. It was very clear.”

The FA Reject Arsenal’s Appeal Following Max Dowman Red Card

REUTERS/Jon Super

Arsenal appealed Dowman’s red card against Fleetwood. However, that appeal has now been rejected by an independent Regulatory Commission, with his reaction adjudged to be violent conduct. He will now miss Arsenal’s next three domestic matches against Liverpool, Hull City and Newcastle United.

The FA’s statement read: “An independent Regulatory Commission has dismissed claims of both wrongful dismissal and excessive punishment for Max Dowman.

“The Arsenal player was sent off during their EFL Cup game against Fleetwood Town on Tuesday 27 October and will be suspended for three matches. The Regulatory Commission’s written reasons for its decisions will be published in due course.”

Piers Morgan Rages at the Decision

REUTERS/Jon Super

The decision to reject Arsenal’s appeal and give the 16-year-old a three-match ban has caused a stir on social media. Some agree with the decision, while others are against it.

Among those that do not agree that Dowman should have been punished is avid Arsenal fan Piers Morgan, who labelled the decision ‘disgraceful’. He wrote:

“Disgraceful decision. Where is the FA’s duty of care to protect a 16yr-old from being brutalised by leg-breaking tackles that caused him to very mildly react? Max Dowman is one of the most exciting talents in Britain and shouldn’t be treated like this.”

English journalist Henry Winter also believed the wrong decision was reached. He wrote on X:

“This is really poor by @FA. The governing body is supposed to protect players. It should be disputing this regulatory commission verdict by members drawn from the FA judicial panel.

“Max Dowman could have suffered a bad injury to his standing leg from a dangerous challenge which went unpunished. Arsenal 16-year-old shouldn’t have reacted but his frustration was understandable. Some other players might have rolled around and ensured a bad challenge was punished. Dowman didn’t. He doesn’t stay down.

“The FA should have shown some understanding towards Dowman. Instead, it has suspended him for three games. FA priorities all wrong: tolerating a poor challenge and some weak refereeing but punishing a kid who objected to a bad challenge that could have dealt him a serious injury. Protect players.”

Dowman has played 18 times for Arsenal since making his debut last year. He has scored three times and recorded an assist.

Fleetwood host Everton in the fifth round of the Carabao Cup. The match will be played in December.