EFL player handed retrospective two-match ban after handball goal in first of its kind ruling

West Brom striker Aune Heggebo has been handed a two-match ban by the FA in a ‘first of its kind’ ruling.

The forward has been suspended for ‘successfully deceiving a match official’ in his side’s controversial 2-1 win over Norwich City.

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Heggebo scored the Baggies’ opening goal in their away victory at Carrow Road on Saturday.

However, replays showed he had diverted Jimmy-Jay Morgan’s cross into the net with his arms.

Despite the appeals of the Norwich players, the goal was allowed to stand by referee Tim Robinson.

The goal quickly went viral on social media, leading to calls for VAR to be introduced by the EFL.

FA statement

Following the incident, Heggebo was subsequently charged by the FA this week.

Despite West Brom appealing against their decision, he has been suspended for two matches with immediate effect.

Confirming the punishment in a statement, the 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.”

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Heggebo will now miss Sunday’s home match against Burnley, live on talkSPORT 2.

The 25-year-old will also be suspended for West Brom’s trip to Newcastle United in the Carabao Cup second round on Wednesday.

He will be available to return to action away at Middlesbrough on Saturday, August 29.

West Brom statement

West Brom have released a statement of their own following the ban, confirming their plans to seek clarification from the FA.

The club will request guidance on how their players should react in future to avoid a repeat offence.

In a statement, the Baggies said: “The FA on Tuesday charged Heggebo with a breach of Rule E3.1 in relation to his goal at Norwich City on Saturday.

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“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.

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

Heggebo joined the Baggies from Brann in his native Norway last summer.

He has since scored ten goals in 47 Championship appearances for the club.

James Morrison’s side sit fourth in the second-tier following their opening weekend win over the Canaries.