Towards the end of Wrexham’s 2-1 win over Port Vale in the EFL Trophy, Bryce Hosannah was brought down in the box. Fans have been left confused about how a penalty wasn’t given.
In the final group game of the EFL Trophy, Wrexham were able to overcome second place, Port Vale, to top the group.
The Reds were already guaranteed a place in the next round and as a result, Phil Parkinson opted to rotate his squad.
With that fringe players like Max Cleworth, Liam McAlinden and Billy Waters all came into the starting fold.
Another returning face was Bryce Hosannah who featured for the first time since early October, in his third appearance of the season.
What happened to Bryce Hosannah?
The group tie against Port Vale was ticking down to full time with the result seemingly in the Reds’ hands.
With eight minutes added on to the regular 90, there was a lengthy period in which Wrexham had to see out their win.
The substitute goalscorer, James McClean held the ball in the corner as the clock ticked down. His clever back heel found Hosannah in the area.
He took the ball past his man appeared to be blocked off and went down in the box. The referee looked uninterested and the game continued.
On Twitter, The RobRyanRed Podcast summed up the decision. They said: “Won the game so not the end of the world… but on what planet is this not a penalty?”
How have Wrexham fans reacted?
It was safe to say that most fans shared the same reaction as the podcast did and it is hard to disagree with.
Hosannah sticks the ball through Nathan Smith’s legs and looks like the number one contender to get to the ball.
The Vale captain appears to block off the Reds defender and take him out. It is safe to say the whole Racecourse believed it was a foul. A view shared on social media.
This fan wasn’t having any of the referee’s decision, suggesting it was a stonewall penalty. Given the position of the ball and where the defender is looking, it is pretty blatant.
Smith only has eyes for the Dragons’ fullback as opposed to the ball, but the referee wasn’t moved.
This fan couldn’t believe what he was seeing upon viewing. Although it didn’t matter in the end, the decision could have been game-changing on another day.
A hard decision for fans to take but because of the positive result, it is an easier pill to swallow.