Former Premier League referee Dermot Gallagher believes Arsenal's appeal against Max Dowman's red card in their shock Carabao Cup defeat to Fleetwood Town will fail. Dowman was sent off for violent conduct after kicking out at Harrison Neal following the defender's strong challenge on the teenager late in the fourth-round tie, which Arsenal lost on penalties. Arsenal must submit appeal documents by 1pm on Thursday and are hopeful a decision will be made before their match at Liverpool, live on Sky Sports on Sunday.
However, when asked if he thought Arsenal's appeal would be successful, Gallagher told Sky Sports News: "I don't, because of the aggressiveness of Dowman, and you can see the intent. I think it will fail." Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player He added: "I think it is [a red card]. People are comparing it to Cole Palmer on Saturday (with Mateus Fernandes), I think Dowman is a little bit more aggressive.
"He knows what he's doing. He almost brings his knee up in a kicking action." Gallagher believes Arsenal should also have been awarded a free-kick, and Neal a yellow card, for his tackle on Dowman. "Although Neal gets the ball, he's too aggressive," said Gallagher.
"It's a reckless challenge and he's had little regard to the safety of Dowman. "Neal is not bothered whether he catches him afterwards. He was always going to get Dowman.
He knows when he makes that tackle what he's going to do. That's enough for a free-kick and a yellow card." Sky Sports' Paul Merson felt the red card was harsh, but that Dowman must be prepared to face strong challenges throughout his career. "The tackle from the lad is an old-fashioned tackle.
He gets the ball, follows through at the same time. In a way, I would say, it's a great tackle," he said. "And then Dowman's retaliating.
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