Wrexham vs Chelsea red card explained as VAR intervene in late FA Cup drama

• Premier League
• Chelsea FC

Wrexham midfielder George Dobson was sent off in injury-time after VAR intervened following his foul on Alejandro Garnacho in the FA Cup clash against Chelsea

George Dobson was sent off after a VAR review(Image: Getty Images)

Referee Peter Bankes has clarified why Wrexham's George Dobson was dismissed in Saturday's FA Cup match against Chelsea. The midfielder was initially brandished a yellow card for a foul on Alejandro Garnacho.

The Championship team believed they had clinched the cup tie in the closing stages when Callum Doyle nudged Josh Windass' shot beyond Robert Sanchez. However, Josh Acheampong equalised for the Blues just four minutes later.

Dobson's red card then arrived in stoppage time as he sought to thwart a Chelsea counter-attack. After receiving a caution, VAR suggested that Bankes review the incident on the pitch-side monitor, leading to Dobson being shown a direct red.

Announcing the verdict to the stadium, Bankes stated: "No.15 catches his opponent high with intensity, final decision is a red card for serious foul play."

Commenting on BBC Sport's coverage of the cup tie, ex-Wrexham defender Ben Tozer conceded he believed it was a red card. "It is the right decision," he declared.

"George Dobson has to make the foul. It is a red card and his studs have gone into the side of Alejandro Garnacho's shin."

However, Wayne Rooney admitted he wasn't certain it was a red. When asked if he would have been content with just a yellow card being issued, he responded: "Yeah, I think so.

"It is a little bit high and that is about it. It is not a straight leg and full studs going into him. I'm not too sure."

He further stated: "I'm still not sure. I don't think it is a red."