Wrexham were beaten 4-2 by Chelsea after extra-time in the FA Cup on Saturday after two controversial VAR decisions knocked the Championship side out
Phil Parkinson
Wrexham boss Phil Parkinson was frustrated by VAR in his side's FA Cup loss to Chelsea(Image: Getty Images)
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Wrexham manager Phil Parkinson has maintained that George Dobson's red card during Saturday's FA Cup loss to Chelsea was an incorrect call, after VAR reversed the initial on-pitch verdict. The Red Dragons were down to 10 men in stoppage time with the match poised at 2-2.
Referee Peter Bankes had initially brandished a yellow card to the midfielder, before VAR advised him to check the pitchside monitor and reassess the incident. A brief review ensued before Bankes changed his mind and dismissed Dobson.
Wrexham then endured further VAR agony when Lewis Brunt's leveller was chalked off for offside. Speaking following the dramatic cup encounter, which his team lost 4-2 after extra-time, Parkinson questioned whether the ruling needed altering.
He said: "In the second half I think we were the better team and I was confident we were going to win.
Effectively making clear he felt the officials got things wrong with the red card, Parkinson added: "The referee gave a yellow. I'm not sure of the rules, it's the first time we've had VAR and it has to be clear and obvious to overturn it. I think the referee could have just kept it at a yellow.
"I said at the break in extra time there are still going to be chances for us. Unfortunately we didn't take one but we have to take a lot of heart from that performance.
"It's been a great cup run. Tonight was a great spectacle and we were competitive against a very good side. We will take a lot of positives from it."
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Wrexham eliminated Premier League outfit Nottingham Forest in the third round of the competition, defeating them on penalties.
They had taken the lead on two occasions against the FIFA Club World Cup champions on Saturday, courtesy of strikes from Sam Smith and Callum Doyle.
"I'm very pleased with the way we acquitted ourselves tonight," Parkinson said. "We showed a lot of good aspects to our play and played some great football. We weren't just coming here to stop Chelsea - we believe we can play.
Callum Doyle of Wrexham celebrates after scoring their side's second goal during the Emirates FA Cup Fifth Round match between Wrexham and Chelsea
Callum Doyle had put Wrexham 2-1 up against Chelsea(Image: Getty Images)
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"We were frustrated not to come in at half-time ahead. The lads have given a lot tonight and to play extra time with 10 men is really hard.
"We wanted to have a real go in the second period and we had some great chances. We had moments even with 10 men and the lads have to take a lot of credit tonight."
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