Wrexham issued a savage response to MK Dons boss Mike Williamson's remarks on a contentious goal incident involving goalkeeper Arthur Okonkwo.
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Okonkwo in spotlight after goal-line incidentWilliamson cries foul over refereeing decisionWrexham hits back at the managerGettyWHAT HAPPENED?
Despite James McClean's goal giving Wrexham hope of a victory, the game ended in a 1-1 draw, with both teams finishing with 10 men. The pivotal moment came when Okonkwo fumbled a ball near the goal line, with MK Dons players certain they had scored. However, the referee did not award the goal, leading to protests from the home team, including a red card for veteran player Dean Lewington.
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In the aftermath of the match, MK Dons boss, Williamson, expressed his frustration, suggesting that referees may be unconsciously favouring Wrexham due to the club's momentum, thanks to their Hollywood owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney.
"I’ve got a lot of respect for the manager, the club, their fantastic team, but it’s really frustrating," he told reporters after the match.
"There have been legitimate goals for Mansfield and Notts County (ruled out), so I don’t know if it’s the momentum the club bring if it’s unconsciously playing on their minds. But I’m taken aback. I’m really gutted for the boys because they did exactly what we asked them to do. They deserved it. I’ve never seen anything like it. Everybody in the stadium knew it was a clear goal. The reaction of their players was to just turn around, they all thought it was a goal. Everyone did apart from the officials.
“I’m going to speak to him. If I don’t speak to the referee now, nothing will come of it. I want to hear him out and see what will happen moving forward. I think the rules are that I’m not allowed to show him footage, but as men, you need to look at it and hold your hands up. We as players and managers have to. I’d like to have an interaction with him once he has seen it.”
WREXHAM'S RESPONSE TO WILLIAMSON
Williamson's comments sparked a reaction from Wrexham, with the club's official social media account posting a video of the incident with a voice clip of Mark Goldbridge overlaid with the message "look at the white bit", in reference to the goal-line technology used in professional football.
WHAT NEXT?
The exchange highlights the intense controversy surrounding the disputed goal incident and the differing perspectives of the two clubs involved. While MK Dons feel aggrieved by the decision, Wrexham have responded assertively, indicating their stance on the matter.
As the debate rages on, both clubs will be eager to move forward and focus on their upcoming fixtures – but the fallout from this contentious moment is likely to be a hot talking point in the next few weeks.
