Mikel Arteta’s treatment of Max Dowman has come under scrutiny after the 16-year-old was sent off during Arsenal’s shock Carabao Cup exit at League Two Fleetwood Town.

The Gunners lost 5-3 on penalties following a 1-1 draw on Tuesday night, but Arteta’s angry exchange with the teenager threatened to overshadow a humiliating result.

Dowman received a straight red card in the closing stages after reacting to a heavy challenge from Harrison Neal. The winger moved his leg towards his opponent, prompting a confrontation between players before referee Michael Salisbury dismissed him. Neal was booked.

As Dowman headed towards the tunnel, Arteta appeared to deliver a stern rebuke, leaning towards the youngster with his arms crossed.

Asked afterwards what he had said, the Arsenal manager told BBC Radio 5 Live: “Something that we discussed already before the match.”

Arteta declined to judge the dismissal without reviewing the footage, saying: “It’s difficult to see on the cameras like that. So I prefer to watch it back properly and then I can assess the situation.”

Former Arsenal midfielder Paul Merson criticised the manager’s response, arguing that Dowman’s age warranted greater understanding and questioning whether senior players would receive similar treatment. Fellow pundit Jobi McAnuff also questioned the public dressing-down.

The incident was Dowman’s second dismissal this month, following a red card while representing England Under-19s during the international break. That context adds weight to Arteta’s concerns about discipline, although he did not disclose precisely what instructions had been given before kick-off.

For Arsenal, the defeat was also a collective failure: they registered 26 shots and 78% possession but could not turn their dominance into victory. Dowman’s reaction proved costly, yet the wider performance ensures the teenager should not become the sole focus of an embarrassing cup exit.