Aune Heggebo banned for two matches over 'handball goal'

West Bromwich Albion striker Aune Heggebo has been suspended for two matches by the Football Association following a handball incident in Saturday's 2-1 victory over Norwich City.

The goal occurred in the 75th minute when the Norwegian forward connected with a cross, with the ball deflecting into the net off his arm. Norwich head coach Philippe Clement described the incident as a "decisive moment in the game" and stated that it should have been disallowed.

The FA charged Heggebo with a breach of Rule E3.1, alleging he "successfully deceived a match official by handling the ball in a direct successful attempt to score a goal." While West Brom appealed the decision, arguing the ball's deflection off the goalkeeper left the striker with less than 0.1 of a second to react, a regulatory commission upheld the charge and the subsequent ban.

This case is believed to be the first of its kind in English football under new rules introduced for the 2024-25 season. Albion have confirmed they will write to the FA to request clarification on how players are expected to react in similar future scenarios.