Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta refused to provide further explanation to his angry reaction to Max Dowman ’s red card in the Carabao Cup defeat to Fleetwood Town.

But Arteta revealed what he said to Dowman as he walked off the pitch was to do with “something we discussed already before the match”.

Arteta appeared to have harsh words for the the 16-year-old Arsenal forward following the first red card of his senior career, which came as the Gunners lost on penalties .

Arteta appeared angered by Dowman’s red card (Getty)

Dowman was making his second start of the season for Arsenal after his stunning two-goal display against Ipswich in the previous round of the competition.

But Fleetwood made Arsenal’s night a frustrating one and the League Two side were hanging on for penalties when Dowman was sent off in the 85th minute.

The teeanger was on the receiving end of a heavy challenge from behind from the Fleetwood midfielder Harrison Neal, who lunged at him near the touchline.

Dowman kicked out at Neal in…