Watch: Rob McElhenney watches FA Cup game in Philadelphia car park

It was a question many people asked. Why wasn’t Rob McElhenney at the Racecourse for Wrexham’s FA Cup tie with Sheffield United?

Well, the Dragons’ co-owner had a very good reason. The Philadelphia native and lifelong Eagles’ fan was at the American football team’s stadium ahead of their NFC Championship game against the San Francisco 49ers – the winners of which would advance to the Super Bowl.

It was understandable that Rob wouldn’t want to miss such a hugely important game for his beloved Eagles.

However, it didn’t mean that his thoughts weren’t also 3,391 miles away at The Racecourse.

Indeed there was a point just before the kick off in Wrexham’s extraordinary FA Cup tie when co-owner Ryan Reynolds was seen showing the Wrexham fans his phone with Rob’s name on it; the pair having a pre-match chat with Ryan giving Rob a little taste of the atmosphere ahead of the pulsating 3-3 draw.

We hope you enjoyed that one, @RMcElhenney 🤣@VancityReynolds #EmiratesFACup pic.twitter.com/gLOwh4IY5f

— Emirates FA Cup (@EmiratesFACup) January 29, 2023

Rob watched the game with friends and family at a tailgate party in the parking lot of the Eagles’ Lincoln Financial Field stadium.

After enduring a nerve-shredding, rollercoaster ride of a performance by Wrexham (which included some pretty frenzied goal celebrations in the Philly car park), he would have been far happier with the Philadelphia Eagles’ one-sided 31-7 demolition of the San Francisco 49ers.

Mac’s going to the Super Bowl! (And possibly an FA Cup replay at Bramall Lane)

Sal Paolantonio is with Wrexham AFC co-owner and Eagles superfan @RMcElhenney ⚽ 🏈

📺: @Wrexham_AFC on ESPN+ pic.twitter.com/8OTUncIyz9

— ESPN+ (@ESPNPlus) January 29, 2023

Omg. 3-2 Wrexham. pic.twitter.com/79maRhO9XJ

— Beccah Hendrickson (@Beccah6abc) January 29, 2023