Furious Phil Parkinson to contact Championship referees chief after Wrexham penalty decision

Wrexham were on the receiving end of a ‘very, very harsh’ penalty decision against West Brom on Good Friday.

That is according to their manager Phil Parkinson, who was left furious with the decision at The Hawthorns.

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The Red Dragons’ boss has vowed to contact the head of Championship referees, Kevin Friend, to complain about the decision.

It came during his side’s 2-2 draw in the West Midlands, as they returned to action following the international break.

Wrexham found themselves two goals down at half-time after a nightmare first half.

George Dobson’s own goal had put the home side in front before their controversial second goal from the penalty spot.

Josh Maja converted from 12 yards, but it was the decision to award the spot-kick which infuriated Parkinson.

Referee Bobby Madley pointed to the penalty spot after a tussle between Wrexham’s Issa Kabore and Baggies captain Jayson Molumby.

Kabore had been adjudged to have fouled his opponent after the pair both went to ground at a corner.

Madley had previously warned both sets of players for similar incidents of holding at corners prior to the penalty decision.

Parkinson left furious

However, Parkinson still felt aggrieved after the match as he stated: “If you give a penalty for that, you’re giving three or four penalties every game.

“I can’t believe an experienced referee has given that after Molumby has thrown himself to the floor.

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“Of course, there’s contact, but it’s only what you see in the penalty box all the time. A very, very harsh decision.”

Fortunately for the visitors, they produced a stunning second-half comeback to rescue a point.

Josh Windass scored just two minutes after half-time before Dobson redeemed himself with the equaliser.

Parkinson’s joy at rescuing a point was not enough to detract from his frustrations over the refereeing decisions, though.

Referring to his side’s win at Sheffield United before the international break, he added: “Against Sheffield United (Japhet) Tanganga pulls Smudge (Sam Smith) down, which is a straight red card, and the free-kick gets given against him.

“Today, he’s clean through and (Nat) Phillips tugs him. It’s only slight contact, but it’s a red card and I feel Smudge needs more protection.

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“I’m going to send all those instances together and ask the referees over the next two days to give me some answers.

“I’m always in communication with Kevin Friend, the head of the referees, because he’s a great guy and he listens.”

Despite having to settle for a point, Wrexham moved back into the play-off places with their draw against West Brom.

The result saw them leapfrog Southampton into sixth place, although the Saints have a game in hand.

Wrexham welcome Southampton to the Racecourse Ground on Tuesday night as they look to maintain their promotion chase.

Kick-off in north-east Wales is at 8pm, with live commentary on talkSPORT 2.