Exclusive: Wrexham’s Phil Parkinson to be charged despite Cambridge United dive
Wrexham manager Phil Parkinson will be charged over comments made about the penalty awarded against his side during their clash with Cambridge United, Keith Hackett has said.
The former PGMOL chief and ex-FIFA official exclusively told Football Insider that the situation may be complicated by the fact that the 57-year-old’s side are based in Wales.
Wrexham are of course looking to make it three consecutive promotions this season, as they aim to climb out of League One and into the Championship.
However, they were left frustrated in their attempts to further their cause to do that on Tuesday night (1 April) after being held to a 2-2 draw by struggling Cambridge.
Wrexham boss fumes over latest penalty decision
Wrexham benefitted from a controversial penalty call during their win over Exeter City at the weekend, but were on the wrong end of one in this encounter.
With the score having been locked at 1-1 at half time, Cambridge were given an opportunity to go ahead just minutes into the second half when referee Thomas Parsons pointed to the spot.
That came after striker Ryan Loft had gone down theatrically inside the penalty area after a challenge from Wrexham defender Lewis Brunt.
Josh Stokes then converted from the spot to put Cambridge 2-1 up, with Sam Smith equalising just before the hour-mark, which was enough to force both sides to settle for a point.
| Wrexham last five games | Result |
| Reading (A) | Lost 2-0 |
| Wycombe (H) | Won 1-0 |
| Stockport (H) | Won 1-0 |
| Exeter (A) | Won 2-0 |
| Cambridge (A) | Drew 2-2 |
Speaking after the game, Parkinson was far from happy with the penalty decision in particular, claiming he was “raging”, and that the referee had tried to make a name for himself [talkSPORT].
The Wrexham boss also questioned if the officials had been given preparation, feeling they would have been aware of Cambridge going down softly to win fouls had they seen footage of their weekend game.
Now, Hackett believes those comments could land Parkinson in hot water with the authorities, although he admits the penalty his side conceded should not have been given, while highlighting a complicating factor in the disciplinary action.
‘Phil Parkinson facing charge after penalty anger’ – Keith Hackett
After being asked by Football Insider if action could be taken against the Wrexham manager over his comments, the former referee said:
“I am sure that Phil Parkinson will be charged by The Football Association. The complication here is that Wrexham FC operate under the banner of the Football Association of Wales, who would be the charging body.
“Let me make it clear that thirty minutes after the final whistle either manager can knock on the referee’s dressing room door and seek clarification on any matter. He is also able to issue a report to the EFL, copying in the League Managers Association.
“In addition to his report to the PGMOL, he can pick the phone up and speak to the National List Referees Manager, former Premier League referee Mike Jones
“On the penalty kick the referee is in a good position must have seen something that is clearly not visible in the replay. For me the forward has won a penalty kick through an act of simulation.”
Following that draw Wrexham are second in the League One table, three points clear of the play-off places, but having played a game more than third-placed Wycombe.
They are next in action on Saturday afternoon (5 April) with a clash at home to another struggling side in the form of Burton Albion.