West Brom striker Aune Heggebo has been given a two-match ban for tricking a match official.
West Brom striker Aune Heggebo has been handed a controversial two-match ban for “successfully deceiving a match official” during his team’s 2-1 win over Norwich City on Saturday.
With 75 minutes played at Carrow Road, Heggebo scored the opening goal by pushing the ball in from close range. But replays showed the Norwegian forward used his arm to score, something Norwich players pointed out to referee Tim Robinson. However, Robinson ignored the protests and allowed the goal to stand.
After the game, Norwich coach Philippe Clement called the moment “decisive” and said, “This is a clear goal that should have been disallowed.”
A few days later, Heggebo was charged with breaking FA Rule E3.1, which says players must always act in the best interest of the game. This is the first time this rule has been used since it was updated in 2024.
An FA spokesperson explained, “Aune Heggebo has received a two-match ban for successfully deceiving a match official by handling the ball to score during the Championship match against Norwich. He denied the charge, but an independent commission found him guilty after a hearing.” The FA will share their full explanation soon.
West Brom responded with their own statement: “The FA charged Heggebo over his goal at Norwich, which is believed to be the first charge under this new rule. The FA said he ‘successfully deceived a match official by handling the ball to score.’ Albion appealed, noting the ball deflected off the goalkeeper right before hitting Heggebo’s arm, leaving him less than 0.1 seconds to react. The club argued the handball was accidental and not a deliberate trick.
“However, the commission upheld the charge. Albion will now ask the FA for clear guidance on how players should reasonably react in similar cases. The club fully supports Aune, whose character and honesty have been clear during his time at The Hawthorns.”
Many fans shared their thoughts on social media about the ruling after the thrilling Championship opener. One said, “Not sure about that at all. It’s the officials’ fault for missing it. Without VAR, mistakes like this will always happen, but this sets a very dangerous precedent.”
Another wrote, “This really sets a risky precedent.”
A third added, “I can’t wait for two-match bans for players who appeal unfairly for corners or throw-ins. What was Heggebo supposed to do—tell the ref it was handball? This all feels like a way to push for VAR. It’s awful.”
Someone else commented, “What’s next? Banning players for raising their hand to call for a throw-in when they know the ball touched them last?”
Because of his suspension, Heggebo will miss West Brom’s game against Burnley on Sunday and their Carabao Cup second round tie against Newcastle United on Wednesday, August 26.