West Brom striker Aune Heggebo handed two match ban for the ‘successful deception of a match official’

West Brom striker Aune Heggebo has been given a controversial two-match ban for the"successful deception of a match official" during his side's 2-1 win over Norwich City on Saturday.

With 75 minutes on the clock at Carrow Road, Heggebo opened the scoring for West Brom after bundling home from close range.

However, replays showed the Norwegian forward converted Jimmy-Jay Morgan's cross with his arm, an incident that was brought to the attention of referee Tim Robinson by several Norwich players.

Robinson, meanwhile, waved away protests and the goal was allowed to stand.

After the full-time whistle, frustrated Norwich head coach Philippe Clement described the incident as a "decisive moment in the game," adding: "I think this is a clear-cut goal that should be disallowed."

Several days later and Heggebo has been charged with breaching FA Rule E3.1, which requires participants to act in the best interests of the game at all times. It is the first charge of this type since a law change in 2024.

Regarding the incident, an FA spokesperson said: "West Bromwich Albion’s Aune Heggebo has been given a two-match ban for successful deception of a match official during their EFL Championship match against Norwich City on Saturday 15 August.

"It was alleged that the player acted in an improper manner in or around the 75th minute of the match, whereby he successfully deceived a match official by handling the ball in a direct and successful attempt to score a goal, contrary to FA Rule E3.1.

"Aune Heggebo denied the charge against him, however an independent Regulatory Commission found it to be proven and imposed this sanction following a hearing.

"The Regulatory Commission’s written reasons will be published in due course."

West Brom have since responded to the ruling with a statement of their own.

"The FA on Tuesday charged Heggebo with a breach of Rule E3.1 in relation to his goal at Norwich City on Saturday," the statement read.

"The charge is believed to be the first of its kind in English football, following a rule change prior to the 2024/25 season.

"The FA alleged Heggebo did 'successfully deceive a Match Official by handling the ball in a direct successful attempt to score a goal'.

"Albion appealed on Wednesday, stating the ball took a deflection from the goalkeeper immediately before making contact with Heggebo's arm, which materially affected the ball's trajectory and left him with less than 0.1 of a second to react.

"Given the accidental nature of the handball, the club argued it could not be reasonably viewed as a deliberate act of deception.

"On Thursday, the matter was placed before a Regulatory Commission, which upheld the charge.

"The club will now write to the FA requesting clarification on how a player is reasonably expected to react should similar circumstances arise in the future.

"Albion remain steadfast in their support of Aune, whose character and integrity have been evident throughout his time at The Hawthorns."

Heggebo has been handed a two game suspension for the incident. Image credit: Getty

Fans react to FA's decision to hand Aune Heggebo two-match ban

Many fans have taken to social media to give their thoughts on the controversial ruling following Saturday's eventful Championship opener.

One wrote: "Not sure about that at all. It’s the officials’ fault for not spotting it. The lack of VAR comes with clangers like this, which will always be a major talking point but that’s a very dangerous precedent to be setting."

A second said: "That’s setting an extremely dangerous precedent."

A third commented: "Look forward to all the two match bans for players that appeal for corners, throw-ins etc when they know it’s not theirs… I mean, what’s Heggebo meant to do…tell the ref it was handball..? It’s all to get VAR introduced. Disgusting."

A fourth added: "What next? Banning players for raising their hands calling for a throw in when they know it touched them last?"

As a result of his ban, Heggebo will be suspended for West Brom's clash against Burnley on Sunday. He will also miss their Carabao Cup second round tie against Newcastle United on Wednesday (August 26).