Parkinson insists Cabango escaped a red in Welsh derby clash
Wrexham manager Phil Parkinson accused Swansea City captain Ben Cabango of evading a straight red after a high‑speed lunge on debutant Callum O'Hare in the Welsh derby at the Swansea.com Stadium, a match that ended in a goalless draw late in the second half.
Wrexham entered the derby with fresh enthusiasm, bolstered by the debut of midfielder Callum O'Hare. The Getty Images photograph captured O'Hare receiving the ball on his first touch for the club. The Image caption notes O'Hare’s debut for Wrexham. Despite early pressure, the first half ended without a breakthrough.
Late‑half challenge sparks controversy
Ben Cabango, who had been introduced as a second‑half substitute, lunged at O'Hare late in the game. The challenge saw Cabango booked, while O'Hare was withdrawn shortly afterwards. The incident occurred at the Swansea.com Stadium and left the visitors' bench visibly upset.
Parkinson argued the Wales defender deserved a straight red, describing the lunge as a “leg‑breaking challenge”. “I know we want to protect our players but, when someone flies in at that speed, that could have been a leg‑breaking challenge,” he said. He added that the referee “didn’t make the right call” on the big decision.
Parkinson backs his side and looks ahead
Swansea boss Vitor Matos declined to comment on the referee, stating, “I never comment on ref decisions, in one way or the other.” O'Hare, however, maintained that Cabango should have been sent off, recalling that the 16‑cap centre‑back told him he “didn’t touch” the midfielder.
Parkinson praised his side’s resilience after their first win of the season at Millwall, noting they improved as the game progressed. He highlighted the team’s “offensive bravery” and concentration, and reminded fans of the upcoming clash with Burnley on Tuesday before a trip to West Ham United on Friday.
Swansea remain unbeaten, yet the Welsh derby left them frustrated by Wrexham’s resistance. Their continued top‑of‑the‑table position reflects a solid start to the Championship campaign.