TalkSPORT pundit Jeff Stelling has accused referees of being influenced by Wrexham‘s Hollywood presence following their 3-0 win over Burton Albion on Saturday.
The Red Dragons took one step closer to a third successive promotion with victory over the Brewers, strengthening their hold on second place in League One to six points. It was a game that wasn’t without controversy though, with Burton having Charlie Webster sent off after only 10 minutes before the deadlock was broken in the second half through a contentious penalty.
Webster received his marching orders for a high tackle on midfielder George Dobson, leaving the relegation threatened club with an uphill battle for the remaining 80 minutes. They stood firm until midway through the second half though, when Wrexham were awarded a spot kick after Sam Smith collided with goalkeeper Max Crocombe.
Steven Fletcher duly converted before Smith and Jack Marriott wrapped up the points.
Stelling Rants At Referees
Referees have come under the spotlight in recent months regarding decisions handed to the Welsh-based outfit. This includes penalty decisions against Stockport County and Exeter City.
The one awarded against Burton can certainly be filed under the dubious column, a matter in which Jeff Stelling questioned. Speaking on talkSPORT, the former Sky Sports pundit said:
“Wrexham have strengthened their hold on second place but I have to say, I wonder if when referees go to the Racecourse Ground, they are intimidated by the crowd and the fact that there are Hollywood stars everywhere.
“Burton Albion went there at the weekend and Seb Stockbridge was the referee. He gave an early straight red to a Burton player that was never a red card. But worse, Burton then held on for 70 minutes and he gave a penalty when the goalkeeper was collecting the ball and a Wrexham forward clattered into him.
“It was laughable and one of the worst decisions I’ve ever seen in football. I just wonder whether they get carried away with the whole environment.”
Writer’s View
Wrexham have certainly had the rub of the green with some decisions lately, but they’ve also been on the receiving end too. The Webster decision was probably the correct one in real time though. He did look like he caught the Wrexham player high and the resulting red card was understandable. However, there is absolutely no chance that the ‘challenge’ on Sam Smith from the Burton goalkeeper warranted a penalty. If anything, it should have been a free kick to the visitors.
