Lip reader reveals what Arteta told Arsenal teenager Dowman after red card

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta told 16-year-old Max Dowman to “go into the dressing room, Max” after the teenager was sent off against Fleetwood Town in the Carabao Cup, according to a lip-reading expert.

Dowman had produced a positive performance in the last-16 tie but was dismissed in the 86th minute after kicking Fleetwood player Harrison Neal. The incident sparked a confrontation involving players from both sides.

As Dowman walked past Arteta on his way from the pitch, the Arsenal manager was seen saying something to the young player. Given Arteta’s apparent anger at the dismissal, it had been expected that his words might have been critical.

However, lip-reading specialist Nicola Hickling said she believed Arteta’s message was: “Go into the dressing room, Max.”

The exchange came during a dramatic match in which Fleetwood Town, the League Two side, secured a major upset by eliminating Arsenal on penalties.

The game finished 1-1 after normal playing time before Fleetwood won the shootout 5-3.