In a dramatic FA Cup clash, Wrexham faced a disappointing defeat against Chelsea, culminating in a scoreline of 4-2 after extra-time. The match was marked by two contentious VAR decisions that ultimately affected Wrexham's chances. The first major incident occurred when George Dobson was awarded a red card following a VAR review of an initial yellow, leaving Wrexham to play with 10 men just before stoppage time while the match was still tied at 2-2.

Wrexham's manager, Phil Parkinson, vehemently defended Dobson, claiming the red card was an incorrect interpretation by the referee, Peter Bankes, who was prompted by VAR to reassess the incident at the pitchside monitor. This decision significantly altered the dynamics of the game, putting Wrexham at a severe disadvantage in the closing moments of regular time. Furthermore, Wrexham's hopes were dashed again when Lewis Brunt's goal was disallowed for offside after another VAR review, showcasing the critical role VAR played in this match.

In the aftermath of the match, Parkinson did not shy away from expressing his concerns regarding the current state of VAR and officiating in football, hinting at the potential need for reviews and reforms to prevent similar misjudgments in the future. His frustration reflects a growing sentiment among teams about the influence of officiating technology in shaping crucial outcomes in competitive fixtures like the FA Cup, raising questions about the implementation and reliability of VAR.