Wrexham fell to a 1-0 feat against Newport County this week. The game turned as Will Boyle was sent off and now fans have reacted to the decision on social media.
This weekend saw Wrexham travel to face Newport County in a Welsh derby as the Reds looked to do the double over their rivals.
The game didn’t go as Phil Parkinson or any of the travelling fans would have wanted as the hosts dominated.
A Seb Palmer Houlden looping header was enough to secure all three points. This condemned the Reds to their first loss since late December.
According to FotMob, Newport created more xG, had more shots and completed over 60 more passes than Wrexham.
Although the hosts had dominated from the outset, there was one moment which certainly had an impact. The red card for Will Boyle made it an uphill task for the away side for well over 70 minutes.
Wrexham fans react to Will Boyle red
It is safe to say it is a decision that has split opinion amongst football fans. Wrexham fans certainly have made up their mind about the sending-off.
Boyle took a heavy touch and as a result, looked second best to reach the ball. He did get there first and the ball spun off in the right direction from his perspective.
That might have been the case but the Newport players clearly took issue with the follow through of the challenge.
This saw the referee take a minute to think before brandishing the red card for the returning Wrexham Englishman. There was a variety of different opinions on the matter but fans made their opinions clear post-game. This came following a tweet by Fearless in Devotion.
This fan made their opinions clear saying: “Not for me.”
The fact that Boyle gets the ball is what has left fans frustrated as there doesn’t seem to be much more he can do. The follow-through is what the referee took umridge with and as a result, his mind was made.
The fan continued on saying: “You have to kick a ball and stop your leg dead, no follow through?”
It is safe to say that this fan is correct in what he is saying. There is an element that if the shoe was on the other foot, Wrexham fans would want him off.
This fan summed the decision up saying: “A bit reckless but not a red.”
It is true that because Boyle is reaching for the ball and eventually catches the man, he is leaving a decision to be made.
This decision has divided opinion but Wrexham fans mainly feel the same. A frustrating lapse in concentration which damaged the Reds’ chances of winning in the derby.