Wrexham's FA Cup run came to a dramatic end as they lost 4-2 to Chelsea in extra time at the Racecourse Ground, with two contentious VAR decisions proving decisive. The National League side, co-owned by Hollywood stars Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney, twice took the lead but were ultimately undone by a red card and a disallowed goal.
Sam Smith fired Wrexham ahead in the first half, but Chelsea equalised through a fortuitous own goal. Callum Doyle restored the hosts' lead 12 minutes from time, only for Josh Acheampong to level four minutes later. Deep into stoppage time, George Dobson was shown a straight red card after a VAR review for a challenge on Alejandro Garnacho.
In extra time, Garnacho made the numerical advantage count with a clinical finish, and Joao Pedro sealed Chelsea's quarter-final spot. Wrexham thought they had equalised through Lewis Brunt, but the goal was ruled out for offside by VAR in a pulsating finish.
Manager Phil Parkinson expressed pride in his side's performance, saying: '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.' He questioned the red card decision, adding: 'The referee gave a yellow. I'm not sure of the rules... I think the referee could have just kept it at a yellow.'
Despite the heartbreak, Parkinson reflected on a memorable cup run: '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.'
