Phil Parkinson has announced his intention to lodge a complaint with Championship referees’ chief Kevin Friend, claiming his playoff-contending Wrexham team was unfairly treated during their 2-2 draw against West Brom.
Parkinson expressed his frustration over referee Bobby Madley’s decision to award a first-half penalty to Albion after Jayson Molumby fell to the ground while being restrained by Issa Kaboré during a corner kick.
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“If that’s considered a penalty, then we might as well award three or four penalties in every match,” said Parkinson, criticizing the call that allowed Josh Maja to score and put Albion 2-0 up in the 38th minute.
“It’s hard to believe that an experienced referee would give that when Molumby clearly threw himself to the ground. Yes, there was contact, but that’s something seen regularly in the box. It’s an extremely harsh ruling.”
The Wrexham manager also voiced his concerns regarding the treatment of striker Sam Smith by officials, stating, “In the game against Sheffield United, [Japhet] Tanganga pulled Smudge [Smith] down, which should have warranted a straight red card, yet the free kick went against him.”
“Today, he was clear on goal and [Nat] Phillips grabbed him. While it may have been minimal contact, it still qualifies as a red card, and I believe Smudge deserves better protection.”
“I plan to compile all these instances and reach out to the referees over the next couple of days for clarifications,” he added. “I maintain regular communication with Kevin Friend, the head of [Championship] referees, as he’s approachable and listens to our concerns.”
West Brom had initially taken the lead when George Dobson inadvertently deflected Isaac Price’s free-kick past Wrexham goalkeeper Arthur Okonkwo at his near post. However, Wrexham fought back to equalize with second-half goals from Josh Windass and Lewis O’Brien, with O’Brien noting that Dobson claimed he hadn’t touched his backheel before it crossed the line.
This draw places Wrexham in sixth position, ahead of Southampton, who have one game in hand. The two teams are set to meet in North Wales on Tuesday.
“Our response after the break was fantastic, especially given our passive first half,” Parkinson remarked about his team’s performance. “We urged the players to show character and improve their quality in the second half, which they executed brilliantly.”
Interim Albion boss James Morrison disagreed with Parkinson regarding the penalty call, which was Albion’s first in 13 months. “The referees indicated they would address holding at corners, and I haven’t seen it enforced all season,” Morrison stated. “So, I’m glad for that call. I believe he did push Jayson to the ground—thus, it was the right decision.”
Albion remains four points clear of the relegation zone, currently occupying 20th place, with rivals Oxford, Leicester, and Portsmouth all finishing their matches in draws.
“It’s another game completed. A solid point,” Morrison concluded.
Reported by PA.