Arteta Describes His Conversation With Max Dowman

Arsenal's 16-year-old talent Max Dowman was shown a red card in the Carabao Cup fourth round match against Fleetwood Town. The young player reacted to a robust challenge late in the game and was sent off. Many commentators and social media users found referee Michael Salisbury's decision very harsh.

As Dowman left the pitch, manager Mikel Arteta approached him and said something as they walked toward the tunnel. At the post-match press conference, Arteta said he had not yet watched the incident back. He added that the camera angles did not clearly show what happened.

Arteta noted that his side, despite being down to ten men, still created chances, and he did not blame the referee for the elimination process. He said the decision was the referee's and that it was enough. When asked what he had said to Dowman, he replied that it was something discussed before the match and gave no details.

Arteta also stressed that they knew clearly what to expect from Fleetwood and needed to establish emotional control on the pitch.