Arsenal gem Max Dowman 'targeted' as ex-PGMOL boss stunned by 'red card offence'
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Credit: Imago / Spain Federation
Harri Burton
Mon 8 September 2025 14:19, UK
Max Dowman was targeted by opposition players as the Arsenal gem starred for England Under-19s, according to Keith Hackett.
The former PGMOL chief and ex-FIFA official exclusively told Football Insider that Spain Under-19s’ David Cordon deserved to be sent off for his challenge on the 15-year-old winger on Saturday, 6 September.
Arsenal fans were fuming with the treatment of Dowman, who made a crucial impact during the 3-3 draw, with goals coming from Chelsea‘s Shumaira Mheuka and Everton loanee Harrison Armstrong.
Paul Merson has been amazed by Dowman so far this season, and the academy star lasted 69 minutes before being replaced by Liverpool‘s Rio Ngumoha.
Max Dowman (Credit Imago)
This article contains exclusive comments from ex-PGMOL chief, FIFA official and former professional referee Keith Hackett.
During the game, the 15-year-old was left writhing on the floor several times, but it was Cordon’s attempted tackle that finally earned more than a free-kick on the Arsenal winger.
Despite picking up a yellow card, Hackett believes that a red card could have been shown had VAR been in operation following the Spain U19s very high lunge on the Young Lion.
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It was an incident that sent Gunners fans crazy on social media, and for good reason too, as it was felt that Dowman was specially targeted due his breakthrough at the Emirates Stadium this season.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the former referee said: “We’ve got young players here, and it is important that the law is enforced.
This is a serious foul play challenge, with the player ignoring the ball completely.
Credit: Imago
“He’s come in high, he knows exactly what he’s doing, and a yellow card doesn’t fulfil the requirements in law.
We shouldn’t dwell too much on the players involved, but the laws are there to protect skill over strength.
“The referee has gone on the side of safety, and VAR is unlikely to be in operation.
I genuinely believe this is a red card offence, and it looks like Dowman has been targeted.”