Wrexham boss rips into referee as Ryan Reynolds’ hopes of promotion dented

15 April 2023 , 15:21

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Wrexham manager Phil Parkinson (Image: BT Sport)

Wrexham manager Phil Parkinson was unimpressed with the refereeing after his team missed a golden chance to take a step closer towards promotion to the EFL.

An Easter Monday victory over title rivals Notts County left the Red Dragons in pole position to claim the one automatic spot, but they failed to take full advantage on Saturday. Play-off contenders Barnet held Parkinson's side to a goalless draw at the Hive, meaning the champagne has been put on ice for the time being.

Wrexham played nearly half the game with 10 men, after Callum McFadzean was shown a straight red card for a foul on home goalkeeper Laurie Walker. Parkinson wasn't exactly delighted, though, and made his feelings clear after the game. The manager was himself shown a red card by referee Edward Duckworth, and could face a touchline ban as his team looks to seal automatic promotion.

“I’m not happy with the role the referee played in the sending off,” Parkinson told BT Sport after the draw “That’s a soft red card, I just can’t see that.

"It’s his trailing leg, there no real intent there. He’s got it wrong. I thought the keeper made a meal of it and obviously that influences the referee’s decision.”

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Walker disagreed with the Wrexham boss, though. “Basically he was trying to say I was cheating," the 33-year-old said. “I’m sure you guys can see it evidently that the geezer’s come straight through and kicked me in the face.”

Was the red card fair? Have your say in the comments section

Callum McFadzean was sent off as Wrexham only managed a draw (Mark Leech/Offside/Offside via Getty Images)

Wrexham, who last played in the league in 2008, still have their fate in their own hands. Even if Notts County pick up maximum points from their remaining fixtures, six points from three games will see Wrexham promoted.

The Dragons have home games against Yeovil on Tuesday and Boreham Wood next Saturday before visiting Torquay on April 29. Notts County, meanwhile, host Woking on Saturday evening before rounding off their season with games against Maidstone and York.

“We’ll take the point," Parkinson added. "It’s another point on the journey where we need to go to.

“When you go down to 10 men a point is good. I felt there might be a moment for us even with 10 men. It didn’t come, but the lads have dug deep and put in a strong performance against a good side in contention for the play-offs.”

Wrexham owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney have sunk substantial sums into the squad and the facilities around the Welsh club, but were unable to secure promotion in their first full season as owners. The Dragons reached the play-offs last term after finishing second behind Stockport, and were then denied by Grimsby Town in a 5-4 thriller at the Racecourse Ground.

Tom Victor