Wrexham's FA Cup dream ended in heartbreak as Chelsea came from behind twice to win 4-3 after extra time in a thrilling fourth-round tie at the Racecourse Ground. The video assistant referee played a decisive role, first upgrading George Dobson's yellow card to a red in normal time, then disallowing Lewis Brunt's 114th-minute header for offside, before João Pedro sealed the win for the visitors.
Sam Smith and Callum Doyle twice gave Wrexham the lead, with Smith capitalising on a Robert Sánchez error and Doyle scoring a clever flick. However, an Arthur Okonkwo own goal and Josh Acheampong's strike forced extra time. Alejandro Garnacho volleyed home the third after Dobson's dismissal, and after Brunt's disallowed goal, João Pedro netted the fourth to break Wrexham hearts.
Wrexham manager Phil Parkinson criticised the red card decision, saying: 'He's in a great position to see the initial incident and I think it's very harsh.' Chelsea boss Liam Rosenior defended the VAR calls: 'They're both correct decisions for me. Any challenge that's dangerous is a dangerous challenge.'
Despite the defeat, Parkinson praised his side's performance: 'It's quiet in the dressing room now but when we wake up tomorrow, the lads and the supporters will be immensely proud of the way we played.'
