Arsenal fans have been left furious after Max Dowman was fouled 10 times in one half during England U19s’ 3-3 draw against Spain U19s.
Dowman was handed his first start for Will Antwi’s team after coming off the bench to make his debut in Wednesday’s 2-0 win over Ukraine U19s.
The 15-year-old became the youngest-ever player for England U19s against Ukraine – and is now the youngest starter in the age group’s entire history.
Dowman, recently named in Arsenal’s Champions League squad, was targeted in the opening 45 minutes against Spain and fouled many times.
‘That ref… wow… absolute [donkey],’ Arsenal supporter @twitchTurkey posted on Reddit.
Your ultimate guide to the football season
Metro’s football newsletter: In The Mixer. Exclusive analysis, FPL tips and transfer talk sent straight to your inbox every Friday – sign up, it’s an open goal.
‘The foul that sent Dowman flying near the beginning was at the very least a yellow, player didn’t make an attempt on the ball, just straight up took a leaf out of spinny-boi Anthony’s book and hacked Dowman’s legs.
‘Good on number 8 (Sunderland’s Chris Rigg) for having a go at the ref!’
A second Arsenal fan, @RicHii3, added: ‘That left back was a piece of s***.
‘How did it take 10 fouls for the ref to book him? Should have never got to that point.’
‘Number 16 knew what he was up against and didn’t want to get embarrassed,’ @212cncpts posted.
‘In his mind it’s better to get a red card than letting a school kid get the better of you I guess.’
The Young Lions had a number of chances before the half-time whistle with Dowman seeing a shot blocked.
The Arsenal wonderkid won his country a penalty five minutes into the second period with Dowman tripped inside the area.
Chelsea’s Shim Mheuka scored twice in the match while Everton’s Harrison Armstrong, on loan at Preston, netted a late equaliser as it finished 3-3.
Dowman, meanwhile, will be hoping to make his third England U19s appearance when Antwi’s side face the Netherlands U19s on Tuesday.
The teenager, who plays as an attacking midfielder or a winger, made his Premier League debut for Arsenal against Leeds United this season, coming on in the 64th minute and winning his side a penalty.
Because of his age, Dowman is obliged to be chaperoned while with the Arsenal first team and is not allowed to change in the main dressing room under FA safeguarding regulations.
If Dowman makes his Champions League debut for Arsenal before his 16th birthday on December 31, he will become the first 15-year-old to appear in the competition.
