Wrexham Push Chelsea All the Way in FA Cup Thriller, But VAR Leaves Owners Fuming with 'F*** VAR' Chant
Wrexham AFC gave Chelsea a massive scare in the FA Cup fifth round, leading twice before VAR decisions – including a red card upgrade for George Dobson and a marginal offside – swung it to a 4-2 extra-time Blues win. Co-owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney vented frustrations by echoing fans' 'F* VAR' chant, while praising the club's spirited display and reiterating Premier League ambitions. Chelsea's players and staff hailed Wrexham's performance as one of their toughest tests.
Wrexham's Epic FA Cup Battle: Heroes, Heartbreak, and VAR Rage
Picture this: a packed Racecourse Ground in north Wales, under the floodlights, with Wrexham AFC taking on Chelsea in the FA Cup fifth round. The Red Dragons, fresh from non-league days, twice led against the Blues before VAR turned the tide. It ended 4-2 after extra time, but not without drama that had co-owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney channeling the fans' fury.
George Dobson's high boot looked dodgy, but the ref initially flashed yellow. Cue VAR: red card, down to 10 men, and Chelsea pounce in extra time. Then, a whisper of an offside call nixes Wrexham's late leveller, before João Pedro seals it. Heartbreaker, mate.
Owners Echo the Crowd: 'F*** VAR!'
Post-match, Reynolds – yes, the Deadpool lad – couldn't hide his grumbles on ESPN. "We're up against one of the world's best, and the lads made it a proper scrap," he said, before pausing with a shrug: "VAR... up for debate."
Interviewer Alex Aljoe nudged McElhenney for his take – Wrexham don't deal with VAR in the Championship, see. "Can we bleep this?" Rob quipped. "The fans said it best: 'F*** VAR!'" Reynolds nodded: "Spot on, and now VAR's checking your words!"
Wrexham boss Phil Parkinson wasn't buying it either. "Ref had a clear view, should've stuck with yellow," he griped. "That offside? Marginal, fair enough. But VAR dragging him to the screen? Nah, back your call, ref."
McElhenney, ever the gent, posted on X: overcome with gratitude despite the loss. He thanked the Wrexham faithful and even Chelsea's lot for post-match kindness at the airport. Class, that.
Reynolds' Eyes on the Premier League Dream
Amid the VAR moans, Reynolds spun silver linings. "Feels like a win to me," he beamed, eyes sparkling. Five years back, Wrexham were off the radar; now, they're playoff contenders in the Championship, hosting Prem giants at home.
"The dream's always been the Premier League," he reaffirmed, echoing his 2021 Sky Sports vow. "Nothing's changed. Seeing the world adopt Wrexham as their team? Beautiful." From non-league to this – Reynolds and McElhenney's Hollywood magic has the town buzzing.
Parkinson's lads sit pretty in the playoff spots, potentially 14 games from top-flight glory. Saturday proved they can hang with the elite. Chelsea's Alejandro Garnacho called it "one of our toughest games this season." Boss Liam Rosenior? "Wrexham were magnificent. We needed luck – they were that good."
Why the FA Cup Magic Endures
This tie screamed FA Cup romance: underdogs twice ahead, red cards, last-gasp calls, and mutual respect. Chelsea squeak through to the quarters, but Wrexham's stock soars. As reported by SI Soccer, the Welsh side's rise is the feelgood story of the season.
McElhenney nailed it: no need for hate, just brilliant footy. Wrexham march on in the Championship, dreams intact. Next stop? Who knows – but with owners like these, the Premier League beckons. Pint's on me if they make it.
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