Dowman's red card appeal

Arsenal are appealing the red card shown to Max Dowman in their Carabao Cup fourth round defeat to Fleetwood Town, which was decided on penalties. The young player was sent off after kicking an opponent following a heavy challenge by Harrison Neal.

The club must submit its appeal documents by 1pm on Thursday. Arsenal want a decision before their Sunday away match at Liverpool. The match will be broadcast live on Sky Sports.

Former Premier League referee Dermot Gallagher believes the appeal will not succeed. Gallagher said there was aggression and intent in Dowman's movement and that the red card was correct. In his view, the young player deliberately lifted his knee and made a strike.

Gallagher also said Neal's challenge was reckless and should have earned a yellow card. Sky Sports pundit Paul Merson found the red card harsh, but described the challenge as old-fashioned and a proper attempt to win the ball.