The manager of Wrexham, Phil Parkinson, voiced his strong belief that Southampton’s defender, Ronnie Edwards, should have been given a red card for preventing a clear opportunity to score. He described it as a “pivotal” moment that drastically altered the course of the game, ultimately contributing to the Welsh club’s 2-1 loss at St Mary’s. This match marked their return to the second tier of English football after an absence of 43 years.
Josh Windass successfully converted a penalty, giving Wrexham an early lead in their Championship opening match. The penalty was awarded after Kieffer Moore was clearly pushed while in a promising goal-scoring position in the 22nd minute.
However, Edwards only received a yellow card. Southampton capitalized on having a full complement of 11 players, with substitute Ryan Manning scoring a spectacular 25-yard free kick in the 90th minute.
Adding to Wrexham’s disappointment, Southampton’s captain, Jack Stephens, scored in the sixth minute of added time, his shot hitting the crossbar before going in.
“He was clean through and he gets pushed down for the penalty,” Parkinson commented following Wrexham’s first match in the second tier of English football in 43 years.
“I’ve spoken to the official and stated, ‘My understanding of that rule is that if the push is intentional, it warrants a straight red card.'”
“I observed the incident from the sideline and reviewed the footage again at halftime. I struggle to understand why he didn’t make the correct decision, as it was a game-changing situation that would have resulted in them playing with 10 men.”
“I’m aware that the official believed there was a covering defender. However, when a player is about to strike the ball towards the goal from that position on the field, and the player intentionally pushes you to the ground, the official has to make the right call.”
Having achieved three consecutive promotions to ascend from the National League to the Championship in record time, the Welsh club, owned by Hollywood actors Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney, has invested significantly during the summer.
Six of their eight summer acquisitions were in the starting lineup, and Wrexham had opportunities through Lewis O’Brien and Ryan Hardie to widen their lead, while Windass’s shot hit the goal frame from 25 yards before he eventually scored.
Parkinson pointed out that Southampton, who managed to win only two games in the Premier League the previous season, possess “a very expensive bench of players to introduce” as substitutes.
“Upon reflection, it’s a moment of immense pride for the club to be competing at this level, and there were numerous positive aspects for us.”
“The new players integrated well and performed admirably, but the existing players also demonstrated their quality. I believe they were excellent,” Parkinson added.
“This provides us with considerable encouragement for the remainder of the season.”
Welsh international striker Moore, who recently signed from Sheffield United at the beginning of the week, will undergo assessment after being substituted off in the 54th minute. Parkinson indicated that the injury involves “ankle ligaments”.
For Southampton’s manager, Will Still, who is the youngest manager in the Championship at 32 years old, it was a triumphant beginning in English football after his previous roles in Belgium and France.
Still commented, “It was an unbelievable game. We managed to create some really good chances in the first half and we controlled most of the second half.”
“We emphasized that everyone plays an important role. The substitutes did exactly that and showed how strong our team is.”
“It’s great to see a bit of determination. Bringing the energy and place alive probably helped us get the ball over the line, which is good.”
Information from PA and The Associated Press was utilized in compiling this report.
