Wrexham’s Phil Parkinson Receives Apology Over Controversial Penalty Decision

WREXHAM, Wales — Wrexham manager Phil Parkinson announced he has received an apology from referee Thomas Parsons regarding a controversial penalty decision that occurred during a recent match against Cambridge United. The incident unfolded on April 3, 2024, when Ryan Loft was awarded a penalty after going down in the box following a challenge from Wrexham’s Lewis Brunt, despite a lack of contact.

Parkinson described the decision as “one of the worst penalty decisions I’ve seen” and expressed his dissatisfaction with the outcome. Following the game, English Football League (EFL) refereeing chief Mike Jones reached out to Parkinson, confirming that the referee had erred in his judgment.

“The referee has accepted there was no contact and has apologized,” Parkinson told BBC Sport Wales. “You’ve got to respect his honesty for that. He can’t go back and change his decision but at least he’s reflected and looked at it from the angles I was able to do straight after the game. We move on.”

Wrexham managed to equalize in the match with a goal from Sam Smith, ending the game with a score of 2-2. The result left Wrexham in second place in League One, three points ahead of third-placed Wycombe Wanderers.

Looking ahead, Wrexham will face Burton Albion on April 6, seeking to stay in contention for promotion. “Not that any game at this stage of the season will be taken lightly, but Burton’s form is that of a top-10 team,” Parkinson said, urging respect for their upcoming opponents. “They’ve done really well and given themselves a fighting chance.”

Historically, Wrexham has seen limited penalty opportunities this season, having been awarded just one prior to the midweek match against Cambridge. That penalty was awarded on December 26 against Blackpool, where Steven Fletcher scored. In total, Wrexham ranks 16th in League One for penalties awarded this season, while Birmingham City leads the list with 12.