Jeff Stelling slams ‘laughable decision’ as Wrexham’s Hollywood stars accused of intimidation

Jeff Stelling has questioned whether Wrexham’s Hollywood owners are influencing referees after two controversial decisions in the Red Dragons’ win over Burton Albion

Sky Sports icon Jeff Stelling has raised concerns over whether the celebrity status of Wrexham’s Hollywood owners is swaying referees to rule in their favour. The ex-Soccer Saturday host voiced his frustration after criticising two decisions made by referee Seb Stockbridge during the Red Dragons’ 3-0 triumph over Burton Albion on Saturday.

Wrexham co-owner Ryan Reynolds was present at the Racecourse Ground to witness his team solidify their second-place standing in League One. Burton, who are battling relegation, were reduced to ten men just ten minutes into the match when Charlie Webster was shown a straight red card for a high tackle on George Dobson.

Despite Wrexham’s numerical superiority, the game remained scoreless until the 71st minute when Phil Parkinson’s squad were given a penalty. Ex-Scotland international Steven Fletcher took the spot kick and scored after his teammate Sam Smith was taken down by Brewers’ goalkeeper Max Crocombe.

Additional goals from Smith and Jack Marriott ensured a win for Wrexham, pushing them six points ahead of rivals Wycombe Wanderers in the battle for the third tier’s second automatic promotion spot. However, Stelling was not convinced by the two pivotal decisions made by referee Stockbridge, even though Dobson needed stitches for his leg following Webster’s late tackle.

Stelling didn’t mince his words when he labelled the penalty awarded to Wrexham as “laughable” on his show on talkSPORT. He also implied that the presence of one of the Hollywood owners and vocal fans might have swayed the referee.

“Wrexham have strengthened their hold on second place but I have to say, I wonder if when referees go to the Racecourse Ground, they are intimidated by the crowd and the fact that there are Hollywood stars everywhere,” Stelling said.

“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. 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 and one of the worst decisions I’ve ever seen in football. I just wonder whether they get carried away with the whole environment.”

His co-presenter Troy Deeney responded by saying: “I totally agree with you”, before sharing his predictions for League One’s promotion hopefuls. Even though Deeney concurred with Stelling about the questionable officiating, he still predicted a positive outcome for Wrexham’s season alongside Birmingham City at the summit.