ARSENAL are appealing Max Dowman’s red card from their shock Carabao Cup defeat to Fleetwood Town.

The teen star was sent off in the 85th minute as the Gunners were beaten on penalties in the fourth round on Tuesday night.

Dowman, 16, was given his marching orders after reacting to a tackle from Fleetwood midfielder Harrison Neal.

Referee Michael Salisbury decided that the Arsenal forward had kicked out at Neal and gave him the first red card of his senior career.

The Gunners are set to appeal the decision, however, and have until 1pm on Thursday to supply the relevant documents.

Arsenal’s appeal is based around the club believing Dowman’s action did not warrant a red card and nor could it be deemed violent conduct.

The club hope that a verdict can be reached before they travel to face Liverpool on Sunday.

Dowman is currently due to be suspended for that game and further Premier League matches against Hull and Newcastle.

But the Gunners hope their wonderkid could have his red card overturned, which would be a big boost.

Arsenal are light on wingers right now as Bukayo Saka faces weeks out with a quad issue.

Max Dowman was unlucky, says ex-Prem ref

SUNSPORT'S refereeing expert Mark Halsey reckons Max Dowman can feel hard done by for his red card against Fleetwood.

Halsey said: “The teenager was petulant and aggressive towards his opponent, but he did not commit the offence of violent conduct.

“Dowman’s incident has been compared to Cole Palmer’s first yellow card for his sending off against Tottenham on Saturday evening.

“I said at the time that a yellow card for Palmer’s bump into Mateus Fernandes was the correct decision, and I think Dowman’s frustrated “kick” was the same.

“There’s not a lot of difference between the two challenges, if anything Palmer’s was a little more aggressive than Dowman’s.”

Read Halsey’s full verdict on the decision here.

Noni Madueke is also struggling with an ankle issue that forced him to miss the defeat to Fleetwood.

Christos Tzolis is close to a return after picking up a hamstring injury in the most recent international break.

Dowman played on the right wing at Fleetwood and is an option there in the absence of Saka.

Arteta appeared to have stern words for Dowman after his red card at Highbury on Tuesday.

The Spaniard was caught saying something to the teenager as he walked off the pitch and down the tunnel.

Asked what he said, Arteta replied: “It’s something that we discussed before the game.

“I haven’t seen it back, and with the camera you can’t really see what happens.

“The decision was made by the referee, and that’s it. Even with ten men, we had three big chances to score.

“We know when we prepare the context of the match, we’re very clear on what to expect. Emotionally, we have to dominate, but we’re very clear.”