Arsenal have failed in their appeal against Max Dowman’s red card in their Carabao Cup defeat to League Two side Fleetwood Town.
The 16-year-old was sent off in the second half for violent conduct after kicking out at Fleetwood midfielder Harrison Neal following a heavy challenge.
Arsenal subsequently lost the tie 5-3 on penalties after the match ended 1-1, bringing their Carabao Cup campaign to an end.
The Football Association (FA) has upheld the dismissal and confirmed that Dowman will serve a three-match domestic suspension, ruling him out of Arsenal’s upcoming fixtures against Liverpool, Hull City and Newcastle United.
An FA spokesperson said an independent commission had dismissed Arsenal’s appeal on the grounds of wrongful dismissal and excessive punishment.
The decision also leaves manager Mikel Arteta with limited options on the wings ahead of Sunday’s Premier League trip to Liverpool.
Eberechi Eze is currently Arsenal’s only fit senior wide option, with Noni Madueke hoping to recover from an ankle injury. Summer signing Christos Tzolis is also nearing a return from a hamstring problem.
Bukayo Saka, meanwhile, is expected to spend several weeks on the sidelines after suffering a quadriceps injury during Arsenal’s 2-2 Champions League draw with Bayern Munich.
Arteta could therefore turn to youngster Ceadach O’Neill, who impressed during the Fleetwood encounter but is yet to make his Premier League debut.
