Wrexham vs Chelsea ref watch: Three decisions Peter Bankes got wrong in FA Cup thriller
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Credit: Imago Wrexham vs Chelsea ref watch: Three decisions Peter Bankes got wrong in FA Cup thriller Sat 7 March 2026 20:31, UK Peter Bankes was under the spotlight during an enticing clash between Wrexham and Chelsea in the fifth round of the FA Cup.Sam Smith got the home supporters believing that another FA Cup upset was possible against Premier League opposition, only for an Arthur Okonkwo own goal to hit the back of the net.Phil Parkinson’s side put up quite the fight on Saturday, 7 March, with the Championship side eventually finding what they thought was the winner via a beautiful flick from Callum Doyle inside the penalty area.Chelsea made several changes from beating Aston Villa, but after some key changes from Liam Rosenior, the Blues finally overcame their opposition in extra time, thanks to Alejandro Garnacho. ⚽ Chelsea Matchday⚽ Team news, line-ups, expert previews and tactical analysis for every Chelsea fixture at Stamford Bridge. VISIT THE CHELSEA MATCH HUB MORE FOOTBALL INSIDER STORIES Peter Bankes forgets to caution Dominic HyamAlready on two fouls, Dominic Hyam tried his best to haul Liam Delap in the build-up to Chelsea’s equaliser, but Bankes was smart to play advantage at the SToK Cae Ras.The Blues would use the advantage well.
Delap fed the ball to Alejandro Garnacho, but unfortunately, his blocked shot was booted straight at Arthur Okwonkwo and into the net.For his role in the build-up, it should have been a very easy yellow card for Hyam, but it felt like the referee completely forgot to caution the defender after the goal.Marc Guiu escapes conceding a penalty at SToK Cae RasThere were strong shouts for a penalty to be awarded to the home side on the hour mark, with a shot firing straight at the arm of Marc Guiu, who left his limb extended.Even after a VAR review, the referee was not instructed to take a second look, but the incident left Wrexham fans absolutely raging that Guiu, who has not had many opportunities at Chelsea, had not been punished.In the Premier League, it is easily an incident that would be punished. Sadly for the Championship side, the same did not happen in the fifth round of the FA Cup.Arthur Okonkwo a lucky boy at the deathEmotions were running high after Achaempong instantly cancelled out Wrexham’s late goal.
Okonkwo, who had a mixed game in North Wales, came to claim a high ball, only to leave Guiu on a heap on the floor, holding the back of his head in a lot of pain.The referee didn’t stop play at first, but having watched replays of the incident, it could be argued that the goalkeeper was fortunate not to be sent off, or at least have a VAR review against him. 🦁 Don’t Miss a Beat: Your Chelsea Insider Access Get the full story from Stamford Bridge and Cobham with our dedicated expert hubs: Updated 24/7 with expert analysis from West London.