The manager of Wrexham, Phil Parkinson, has reacted to allegations that his team has profited from a string of controversial choices in recent weeks.
The remarks were made during their 1-1 League Two match with MK Dons, where Joe Tomlinson’s second-half goal appeared to cross the line after keeper Arthur Okonkwo mishandled it, but it was not ruled a goal.
Mike Williamson emotions boil over following controversial MK Dons moment
Following the battle between two teams vying for League Two play-off spots, Dons manager Mike Williamson expressed his displeasure with the decision made against his team during the news conference held after the game.
Speaking to the MKCitizen, the former Newcastle United defender expressed shock that referee Sam Purkiss was unable to award the goal, citing decisions against other teams in the play-off picture as well as Dean Lewington’s protests that caused the captain to turn red on his 900th game for the team.
It’s unlike anything I’ve ever seen. It was obvious to all in the stadium that goal. Their players simply turned around since they all believed it to be a goal. All everyone did, except for the officials.”
“I’m going to speak with him,” he continued. I won’t get anywhere if I don’t talk to the referee right now. I’d like to give him the benefit of the doubt and see what happens next.
“I believe the guidelines state that I am not permitted to show him the video, but as guys, you must view it and raise your hands. Both managers and players must do this. As soon as he’s viewed it, I’d like to speak with him.
“There have been legitimate goals (ruled out) for Mansfield and Notts County (against Wrexham), so I don’t know if it’s the momentum the club bring, if it’s unconsciously playing on their (match officials’) minds.”
Williamson’s team would have been within one point of Wrexham had they won, but they are currently four points behind and outside the spots for immediate promotion.
With seven points separating the top five in the division, Crewe Alexandra, Wrexham, Stockport County, and Mansfield are all vying for automatic promotion spots. This could prove to be a noteworthy outcome at the end of the season.
Phil Parkinson responds to Wrexham claim
Wilkinson’s goal was not awarded, marking the second time in as many weeks that Wrexham had benefited from a decision that changed the course of events.
A week earlier, their victory over Notts County, last season’s National League opponents, was marred once more by a call against the Magpies. David McGoldrick’s second-half shot was disallowed for handball, a call that infuriated a lot of the supporters.
Manager Parkinson was quick to refute allegations that his team was receiving preferential treatment from league officials, even in light of the recent controversy surrounding the judgements. He cited other earlier in the season decisions that had gone against the Red Dragons.
According to Parkinson, “I really don’t think we get any preferential treatment, I don’t see that at all,” Parkinson said to BBC Wales Sport.
“I’ve been constantly this season going through clips of decisions we could have got, penalties or red cards which were harsh against us, but over the course of the season you’ve got to accept it, and it balances itself out.”
Parkinson conceded that Wrexham may have been lucky in the Okonkwo incident, but he argued that there were also important decisions that went against his team. Parkinson’s club will resume their promotion campaign at Gillingham on Saturday.
First of all, we all have a biassed perspective since we are managers. “It appears that the Okonkwo incident has turned against them,” he stated.
“However, if you go back and watch the game, Dean Lewington trampled on Andy Cannon.” Another day, Ryan Barnett wriggled through on the right-hand side and crossed the goal line, taking Ollie Palmer down as he attempted to put the ball in the net. In my opinion, that was a red card.
“So, for me, that’s a definite penalty and the more you look at that the more you can’t see how the referee hasn’t given it.”
Phil Parkinson has the right to defend his side
Even if Wrexham has won recent decisions, it seems unjust to say that referees are preferring the team that was recently promoted given the work Parkinson has done while he was at the STōK Cae Ras.
With the financial support of Hollywood owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney, the seasoned manager has done wonders for the team since moving to North Wales in 2021, helping them to reclaim Football League status for the first time in fifteen years.
Additionally, the team has prepared itself well for life in League Two this season and is in a good position to win back-to-back promotions.
It is unavoidable that errors will occur because lower league officials do not have access to VAR, but Wrexham has no influence over it. The team has undoubtedly been lucky lately, and it might mean the difference between automatic promotion and a post-season spot.
