By Salma El-Sakka
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has told 16-year-old Max Dowman "we are not in Disneyland" after the teenager was sent off in the Carabao Cup defeat to Fleetwood Town, insisting he will hold the youngster to the same standards as senior players.
Arteta's message to Dowman
Arteta revealed he spoke to Dowman before Tuesday's match about handling provocation, and again on Thursday after the red card, saying there were "no issues at all" between them. However, he emphasized the need to be "very straight" with the attacker about the expectations at the club.
Red card incident
Dowman was dismissed in the 85th minute of the penalty shoot-out loss after reacting to a heavy challenge by Fleetwood's Harrison Neal. The red card carries a three-match ban. Arteta noted Dowman had also been sent off for England Under-19s earlier this month following similar heavy challenges.
Appeal rejected
Arsenal appealed the dismissal but the Football Association upheld the decision. Arteta said he was "very disappointed" with the outcome, adding that the club was fortunate Dowman had not suffered a broken foot from the challenge.
Standards and fairness
Arteta stressed that while the club looks after Dowman extensively, he must earn the right to play like everyone else. "We are in the Premier League and this level," Arteta said. "Otherwise we are in Disneyland. We are not in Disneyland."
