Jeff Stelling believes Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney have created an 'intimidating Hollywood environment' for referees in Wrexham games.
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- Wrexham closing in on promotion
- Recent win over Burton came with controversy
- Stelling says referees 'intimidated'
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WHAT HAPPENED?
The Red Dragons are inching closer towards three consecutive promotions and took a big step in their quest with a win over Burton at the weekend. However, the 3-0 triumph was marred by controversy after Charlie Webster was sent off early on and Wrexham were handed a penalty to open the scoring. Former Gillette Soccer Saturday host Stelling has weighed in on the club's progress under Reynolds and McElhenney, suggesting that their Hollywood appeal has generated an "intimidating environment" for League One referees.
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WHAT STELLING SAID
Speaking to , the TV presenter said: "Wrexham have strengthened their hold on second place, but I have to say, I wonder… referees go to the Racecourse Ground, if they are intimidated by the crowd and the fact that there are Hollywood stars everywhere.
"Burton Albion went there at the weekend and Seb Stockbridge was the referee. He gave an early straight red to a Burton player that was never a red card, never a red card. But worse, Burton then held on for 70 minutes and he gave a penalty when the goalkeeper was collecting the ball and a Wrexham forward clattered into him.
"It was laughable, one of the worst decisions I’ve ever seen in football. I just wonder whether they get carried away with the whole environment."
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THE BIGGER PICTURE
Wrexham's stellar home record this season speaks for itself. They have lost only twice in 21 matches and the Hollywood stars have been present on multiple occasions in Wales. There is certainly an added pressure inside the stadium not just for the referees but the opposing teams as well.
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WHAT NEXT FOR WREXHAM?
Phil Parkinson's Wrexham side can still win the League One title but require a miracle after Birmingham clinched promotion earlier in the week. With only one other automatic promotion spot up for grabs, Wrexham will need to keep their foot down as they battle to maintain their three-point gap to Wycombe in third.
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