Arsenal’s Max Dowman Has To Be Treated The Same – Opinion

Arsenal's Max Dowman finds himself facing a three-match suspension, but for a 16-year-old playing for the English champions, this period is a vital part of his growth. At such a young age, opponents will undoubtedly try to exploit his lack of experience, both physically and verbally. There will be times when he must demonstrate maturity, accepting that he won't always have a stellar performance.

With Saka injured, Tuesday provided an opportunity for the teenager to prove he deserves a starting role in the Premiership. Unfortunately, he was provoked into a red card by a tackle he deemed overly aggressive. The ball was already out of play when the incident occurred, so the player cannot claim he was trying to intercept it.

After the red card, there is always a risk of receiving a booking. The referee's responsibility is to adhere to the laws of the sport, regardless of the age of the players involved. They cannot show favoritism based on the players' age. Mikel Arteta, aware of the cameras capturing the moment, spoke with Dowman as he headed to the dressing room.

As someone who has played the game, our manager understands that this experience is an essential part of the young player's education. While his age might influence how the coaching staff discuss the incident during the following training sessions, Arteta rightly did not treat Dowman any differently from his teammates. Just because you are part of an eleven, you are not exempt from criticism based on your date of birth.

If you are judged mature enough to play for the first-team squad, then you must be held to the same standards as your peers. Being a minor should not be a valid excuse in an industry worth millions. This is not a charity.