Mikel Arteta warns Max Dowman 'we are not in Disneyland' after red card against Fleetwood
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta publicly reprimanded 16-year-old player Max Dowman after the teenager received a red card during a Carabao Cup match. Arteta emphasized that he expects professional standards from all players regardless of their age.
Why it matters
The incident underscores the high-pressure environment of professional sports and the challenges of managing young talent.
Image source, Getty Images Image caption, Mikel Arteta had words with Max Dowman after the teenager was sent off
Arsenal reporter Published 30 October 2026 Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has told Max Dowman "we are not in Disneyland" and that he intends to hold the teenager to the same standards as other first-team players.
Dowman, 16, was sent off in the 85th minute of Arsenal's penalty shoot-out loss to Fleetwood Town in the Carabao Cup on Tuesday after reacting to a heavy challenge by Harrison Neal and will serve a three-match ban .
A visibly annoyed Arteta spoke to Dowman as the teenager left the pitch, and on Friday spoke about the incident for the first time, saying he warned the attacker before the game about dealing with provocation.
Headlinne story · 3 newsrooms
Mikel Arteta Warns Max Dowman After Red Card in Cup Defeat
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