Arsenal youngster Max Dowman was on the receiving end of heavy challenges while starring for England Under-19s, according to former PGMOL chief Keith Hackett.
Hackett, who previously worked as a FIFA referee, told Football Insider that Spain U19s defender David Cordon should have been sent off for a reckless challenge on the 15-year-old winger during the clash on Saturday, 6 September.
Arsenal supporters expressed anger at the treatment of Dowman, who played a decisive role in England’s 3-3 draw. Goals came from Chelsea forward Shumaira Mheuka and Everton loanee Harrison Armstrong, with Dowman making his mark before being substituted after 69 minutes.
Hackett described Cordon’s lunge as a “red card offence,” insisting that the incident went beyond what a yellow card could justify. He stressed that if VAR had been in operation, the Spain defender would likely have been dismissed for the dangerous tackle.
Throughout the game, Dowman was repeatedly fouled and left in visible discomfort. However, it was Cordon’s high and reckless challenge that stood out, leaving many – including Hackett – stunned that the Arsenal teenager wasn’t given more protection on the pitch.
