After a fiery friendly caused tensions to linger between Wrexham AFC and Manchester United, a famous yet unlikely mediator reportedly stepped in this week in hopes of mending fences between the clubs.
According to a Friday report from ESPN, Wrexham co-owner and movie star Ryan Reynolds served as a “peacemaker” in the midst of the public spat by sending a message of support to Manchester United’s Nathan Bishop. The 23-year-old goalkeeper has faced backlash for a challenge that left striker Paul Mullin with a punctured lung during Wrexham’s 3–1 pre-season friendly win on Tuesday in San Diego.
Reynolds, who co-owns Wrexham with fellow actor Rob McElhenney, reportedly praised Bishop, for “the way he handled the situation and wished him luck for the future,” per ESPN.
While Reynolds’s attempt to ease the tension may help relations in the long run, it remains to be seen if Wrexham and its fans give Bishop the same grace.
Wrexham manager Phil Parkinson voiced his frustration with Bishop’s challenge following the match, telling reporters he was “fuming” over the injury before calling the goalkeeper’s actions “clumsy and reckless.” Parkinson’s remarks reportedly fanned the flames of the situation, per ESPN, as United took issue with his public criticism.
The sequence, which occurred early in the first half, saw Bishop charge out of his penalty area prior to colliding with Mullin. He appeared visibly bothered after the play and was booed heavily by Wrexham fans prior to being subbed out of the match at halftime.
