James Morrison backs Aune Heggebo after 'deception' ban

West Bromwich Albion head coach James Morrison has hit out at the Football Association (FA) over their decision to ban Aune Heggebo for two matches. The manager claimed the ruling for 'deception of a match official' has effectively 'opened a can of worms' regarding future officiating.

The incident occurred during the opening day Championship win against Norwich City, when a cross from Jimmy-Jay Morgan hit Heggebo's hand before finding the net. The Norwegian forward became the first player to be charged under the rule, which was introduced during the 2017-18 season.

He was upset because he was saying the charge was calling him a cheat, basically, and we all know he's not that. He'll be looking at the cross when it came in, it flicked from the goalkeeper's hands into him. He's not going to run to the referee and say, 'I handballed that'. Not in a million years. James Morrison

Morrison stressed that the contact was accidental and that the burden of identifying such fouls rests with the officials, not the players. While the club accepts the suspension, the manager urged the FA to ensure consistency in applying the rule throughout the remainder of the campaign.

Heggebo has already sat out the 3-1 victory over Burnley and will remain unavailable for Wednesday's Carabao Cup tie against Newcastle United.