Ryan Reynolds Shares FaceTime Moment During Wrexham's FA Cup Goal vs Chelsea
Wrexham co-owner Ryan Reynolds was captured on FaceTime during the wild celebrations that followed Sam Smith's opening goal against Chelsea in the FA Cup fifth round clash. The Hollywood star, alongside fellow owner Rob McElhenney, was seen in the directors' box at the Racecourse Ground in Wales, seemingly sharing the historic moment with someone via his mobile phone as the players and fans erupted in joy.
Wrexham's Giant-Killing Ambitions Against Premier League Powerhouse
The Red Dragons hosted eight-time FA Cup champions Chelsea on Saturday evening, aiming to produce another giant-killing act after previously eliminating Nottingham Forest in the third round. Despite Chelsea fielding a squad packed with Premier League talent, including Alejandro Garnacho and Pedro Neto, it was Wrexham who struck first in this highly anticipated fixture.
Sam Smith fired low past goalkeeper Robert Sanchez following Callum Doyle's long pass, sending the home supporters into raptures. As television cameras panned to the directors' box to capture the reactions of Reynolds and McElhenney, viewers noticed Reynolds engaged in what appeared to be a FaceTime call, adding a personal touch to the professional football spectacle.
Blake Lively's Presence and Chelsea's Equalizer
Reynolds' wife, actress Blake Lively, accompanied the two Hollywood owners for what represents Wrexham's most significant fixture under their ownership to date. The celebrity presence added glamour to an already electric atmosphere at the Welsh stadium.
Smith nearly added a second goal before the break, while Ryan Longman drew a fine save from Sanchez after 30 minutes. However, Chelsea equalized just before halftime through a fortunate own goal. Garnacho's right-footed effort was cleared off the line by George Thomason, only to deflect off goalkeeper Arthur Okonkwo and cross the line, leveling the score at 1-1.
Wrexham's Remarkable Journey Under Hollywood Ownership
Reynolds and McElhenney have been involved with Wrexham since their National League days and have presided over three consecutive promotions, taking the club all the way to the Championship. The club currently occupies a play-off position after 35 matches, meaning another promotion to the Premier League remains within reach this season.
The co-owners revealed last month that manager Phil Parkinson has a "job for life" at the club after his instrumental role in dragging them within touching distance of the top-flight. McElhenney told The Athletic: "I just don't see a scenario where Phil Parkinson gets fired. It doesn't make any sense. He has been the architect, the creator of this. From our perspective, he's got the job for life."
He added: "Unless he finds another job he wants to go off and do, he's our coach. He's our manager. He's our guy. I know that sounds silly and maybe irresponsible to say publicly, but the truth is that's how we feel."
