Wayne Rooney questions Wrexham red card after VAR review in Chelsea FA Cup thriller | OneFootball

Wayne Rooney said George Dobson should not have been sent off during Wrexham’s FA Cup tie at Chelsea, following a VAR intervention late in normal time. According to Wales Online, he felt the challenge merited a booking.

Referee Peter Bankes initially booked Dobson for a foul on Alejandro Garnacho near the end of 90 minutes, then turned it into a red after a pitchside check. Former Wrexham captain Ben Tozer argued the call was correct.

Rooney maintained the tackle was only slightly high, not delivered with a straight leg or full studs, and he remained unconvinced it met the threshold for red.

Tozer countered that Dobson’s studs caught the side of Garnacho’s shin and likened it to a dark orange, the sort that leaves players furious when on the receiving end. On commentary, Alan Shearer said it was hard to contest.

Chelsea won 4-2 after extra time. Post-match, Phil Parkinson said Wrexham were the better side after the break and he had felt confident of winning.

Parkinson noted the referee initially showed yellow and, with VAR new to his team, questioned whether the overturn met the clear and obvious bar, adding it could have stayed a booking. He told his players in extra time chances would come, rued the miss, and praised a spirited cup run and performance.

Source: Wales Online