Arsenal have lost their challenge to Max Dowman's sending-off at Fleetwood Town, after an independent Regulatory Commission upheld both the dismissal and the punishment. The FA confirmed the outcome on Thursday, meaning the 16-year-old sits out three domestic fixtures, starting with Sunday's Premier League visit to Liverpool.

Commission dismisses Arsenal's case

The flashpoint sparked a scuffle near the touchline before Salisbury produced the red.

Arsenal lodged their appeal on Wednesday. In a statement, the FA said the commission had "dismissed claims of both wrongful dismissal and excessive punishment", adding that the written reasons behind the decision would follow "in due course", according to the Mirror and Football.London.

The Evening Standard reports that Arsenal were unhappy with the original call and had hoped to have the suspension removed. Instead, the ban stands as imposed.

Three matches on the sidelines

Dowman will be unavailable for the league trip to Liverpool on Sunday, the home meeting with Hull and the away fixture at Newcastle, as confirmed by Sky Sports and Football.London.

The Mirror notes that, on the current schedule, his next possible top-flight appearance would come on 29 November, when Arsenal host Manchester City. The Daily Cannon points out that the Champions League fixture against Slavia Praha falls inside the domestic suspension and is not affected.

Tuesday's tie itself ended in defeat for Arsenal. Fleetwood, of League Two, took a first-half lead through Aaron Loupalo-Bi before Viktor Gyokeres levelled, and the hosts went on to win the shootout after Bruno Guimaraes missed from the spot. According to The Mirror, the outcome takes Fleetwood into the quarter-finals for the first time ever in the club's history.

Arteta declines to condemn teenager

Mikel Arteta was seen speaking to Dowman as the player left the pitch, and was asked afterwards what he had said. Speaking to BBC Radio 5 Live, he said it was "something that we discussed already before the match" and added: "It's difficult to see on the cameras like that." Therefore, I would rather review it properly first, after which I can evaluate the situation.

In his post-match comments, the manager said he had not reviewed the incident and that the referee's call stood, while pointing to the chances his side created with ten men. He also said Arsenal must dominate emotionally in such games.

Sky Sports News reports that Arteta had spoken at length with Dowman before kick-off, warning him that Fleetwood would press him physically and double up on him, and telling him repeatedly not to react.

Wide options stretched for Anfield

Dowman's absence sharpens a shortage in the wide areas. Bukayo Saka is unavailable due to a quadricep injury picked up in this month's Champions League draw at Bayern Munich; Noni Madueke is dealing with an ankle problem; and Christos Tzolis, who injured his hamstring during the previous international break, is close to returning but might not be fit.

Sky Sports reports that Eberechi Eze is currently the only fit senior wide option, with Ceadach O'Neill, who had bright moments at Fleetwood, yet to appear in the Premier League, and Kai Havertz a possible stopgap. Riccardo Calafiori and Declan Rice also missed Tuesday's game, with Arteta explaining that Rice had been feeling a problem in the Everton match.

Pundits split on the decision

Former Arsenal midfielder Paul Merson, speaking to Sky Sports, said of Dowman: "You have to remember he is 16 years of age, he's a kid," and warned that opponents will continue to target him throughout his career.

Before the verdict, ex-Premier League referee Mark Halsey told the Daily Cannon that the offence did not meet the bar for violent conduct: "It's petulance, it's not violent, it's not violent conduct." That argument did not persuade the commission.

Photo: Photo2023 via Wikimedia Commons, CC0, resized.