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Chelsea overcome 10-man Wrexham in extra time of thrilling FA cup tie
The irony is palpable: the club that embraced the cameras at Wrexham was ultimately undone by them.
As the film star owners looked on, a video screen delivered a harsh dose of reality in a captivating FA Cup tie, ensuring Chelsea narrowly avoided a humbling fifth-round exit.
The Racecourse Ground boasts a rich 162-year history, but this match marked the debut of Video Assistant Referee (VAR) technology at the world’s oldest international stadium.
Its first intervention turned George Dobson’s yellow card into a red, reducing the Championship hosts to 10 men and offering Chelsea a lifeline heading into extra time.
The second instance saw VAR disallow a potential Wrexham equaliser that would have forced a penalty shootout, with Lewis Brunt ruled marginally offside when connecting with Kieffer Moore’s header on the goal line.
“We experienced both highs and lows in quick succession, and unfortunately, VAR worked against us,” lamented striker Sam Smith, whose opening goal served as an early warning of the challenge Chelsea faced in North Wales.
“It was our first encounter with VAR, and hopefully, it will be our last until next season.”
Wrexham’s George Dobson, right, was sent off against Chelsea after an intervention from the VAR
This is a scenario Wrexham must adapt to if they transform their playoff potential into a fourth consecutive promotion, paving the way for regular visits from Premier League opponents.
For now, manager Phil Parkinson could only lament the officials’ refusal to adhere to the script.
“Without VAR, we wouldn’t have had a player sent off, and that goal would have certainly stood, so it was against us tonight,” Parkinson stated, directing his frustration towards the Dobson decision for a foul on Alejandro Garnacho.
“This is my first experience with it, and I understand the rule stipulates that a decision can only be overturned if it’s a clear and obvious mistake – and I believe the referee should trust his judgment in the real-time, immediate moment. He was in an excellent position to assess it.”
Being denied a level playing field while attempting to bridge the Premier League gap was one thing, but being denied the opportunity for penalties was another.
Pundit Micah Richards commented on Match of the Day that “you don’t want to see goals being ruled out like that, we are talking inches”.
Parkinson displayed more acceptance of the decision, refraining from blaming Brunt for his instinctive goal-line intervention and suggesting Moore’s header might have struck the post regardless.
He also firmly asserted that his team’s pursuit of a Premier League spot would not be affected by the disappointment.
“I’ve said this before, just not to as many people,” Parkinson remarked, alluding to the media attendance that tripled due to the game being televised in 75 countries worldwide, highlighting the global fascination with Wrexham.
“But I always want my team and their performance to reflect the town, so people know what Wrexham are all about.
“We did that tonight and that’s very important.”
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Do Wrexham owners understand the magic of the fa cup?
The spotlight is also on what might be needed if Wrexham do get there with defender Zak Vyner speaking of 11 cup games remaining as the Championship season reaches its climax.
Because, if this was a screen test for what could come for the team who were still playing non-league this time three years ago, they suggested they have what it takes to compete against Premier League sides. For the record, fans were watching them play Dagenham on this night in 2023.
Chief executive Michael Williamson spoke of this game – and the third-round win over Nottingham Forest before it – being tests of Wrexham’s readiness to make the step up in terms of the team and the club’s infrastructure.
And director Humphrey Ker told the BBC: “It has been an extraordinary journey.
“We needed to get players in to continue to help gelling this team into a promotion contending squad. We are dreaming big.”
While they have spent well in recent years, Parkinson reminded us that there is “a huge gulf between spending power in the Premier League to the Championship” and that – for all the Hollywood attention – Wrexham might struggle to compete financially.
After more than competing on the pitch in this cup tie, the focus of Wrexham’s cameras now turn to a crucial game against fifth-placed Hull City and a Welsh derby with Swansea City.
They will just be pleased there will be no VAR.
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