Billy Sharp has given an explanation for why, following a heated FA Cup match, he ended up infuriating Wrexham supporters and squaring off with Phil Parkinson.
Consequently, what happened?
The former Sheffield United striker faced the Red Dragons in the 2022–23 FA Cup’s fourth round. After a terrifying fright at SToK Racecourse, the Blades pulled off a thrilling last-second victory in an intense replay at Bramall Lane. Sharp scored the game-winning goal and gained notoriety for his post-match theatrics, including a furious altercation with Wrexham manager Parkinson and gestures towards the away crowd.
SHARP’S COMMENTS ABOUT WREXHAM
Sharp told Fozcast, The Ben Foster Podcast, “People know what I’m like with fans – I take a lot, I give a lot” in order to explain how all of that occurred. It’s included in the game. Football means nothing without supporters. That day, Wrexham supporters were fantastic and loud. It was a true FA Cup contest across the two games because they were boisterous and really supported their team. As the captain of Sheffield United, the FA Cup holds great personal significance for me. My goal was to triumph. I could see how much everyone at Wrexham—players and supporters alike—wanted to win. Considering that I was in charge of my team that day, I didn’t want that to occur on our patch.
A few incidents took place. One of our guys was sent off in the first leg after being provoked. They believed they had won until we scored in the last seconds. The press was filled with other stories. Everyone wanted Wrexham to go on this run; this was the documentary. I wanted to play at Wembley, something I had never done before, and we eventually made it to the FA Cup semi-final.”
Sharp continued, explaining how he had a dispute with Parkinson and how the star striker for Wrexham was content to brush the whole thing off, saying, “I went over to my mum, my dad, wife, kids, and my friends, as I normally do.” I give my kids a kiss, exchange small talk, and get cash.
I could have done much worse than this modest token of sadness I give the Wrexham supporters. Parky sprints over and exclaims, “What are you saying?” He is giving it his all because I’m teasing him a little and his team just lost. I’m glad we went through and ruined the underdog narrative. I used to have a little beef with Parky. No ill will. After the game, he didn’t need to get involved. He was attempting to protect his followers. Then Paul Mullin appeared; that was alright, and we engaged in some lighthearted conversation. [Ben] Tozer was all juiced up. Most of the players, not just me.
THE LARGER IMAGE
After leaving MLS team the LA Galaxy as a free agent, Sharp’s antics earned him a spot in the documentary series “Welcome to Wrexham,” which featured commentary from Rob McElhenney and Ryan Reynolds. Since then, the 37-year-old forward has been linked to an unexpected move to North Wales.
SHARP’S NEXT STEPS?
Sharp’s next football destination is yet unknown, although after leaving the MLS, a spectacular move to Wrexham is a real possibility. It would be interesting to see how he will be received in North Wales following his shenanigans during the FA Cup.
