West Bromwich Albion's Aune Heggebo Slapped with Two-Match Ban After Failed Appeal Against FA Charge for Norwich Handball Goal
West Bromwich Albion's Aune Heggebo has been slapped with a two-match ban after an FA charge for his handball goal in last weekend's victory at Norwich. The frontman will serve a suspension for Sunday's Championship home opener against Burnley and next Wednesday's trip to Newcastle in the EFL Cup after Albion were unsuccessful with an appeal.
What Happened?
Albion's Aune Heggebo has been charged by the Football Association on Tuesday for his handball goal in last weekend's victory at Norwich. The breach was against rule E3.1, which alleged Heggebo did 'successfully deceive a match official by handling the ball in a direct successful attempt to score a goal'.
Why It Matters for West Bromwich Albion
The incident sparked widespread debate about the manner of the goal and brought into the spotlight the potential for the introduction video assistant referee (VAR) to the Championship. The Norwegian was charged by the Football Association on Tuesday. The breach was against rule E3.1, which alleged Heggebo did 'successfully deceive a match official by handling the ball in a direct successful attempt to score a goal'.
What Comes Next?
Albion have confirmed they will write to the governing body to ask about how players should be expected to react to such deflections and timeframes in the future. The Baggies added in a statement they 'remain steadfast in their support of Aune, whose character and integrity have been evident throughout his time at The Hawthorns'.
League Standing
West Bromwich Albion currently sit 21st in the Championship, 51 points, with 13 wins, 14 draws, and 19 losses from 46 games, with a recent form of LDWWD. They are 44 points behind leaders Coventry. The team has scored 48 goals and conceded 58 this season, with a goal difference of -10.
Aune Heggebo's Suspension
Heggebo will miss his side's next two games, including Sunday's Championship home opener against Burnley and next Wednesday's trip to Newcastle in the EFL Cup. The suspension is believed to be the first of its kind in English football after a rule change two years ago, prior to the 2024/25 campaign.
Similar Incidents
Last weekend's opponents Norwich escaped a similar incident last season, after the introduction of the new law, as forward Jovon Makama converted what proved to be the winner with his hand against Southampton in December. No FA charge was forthcoming to the Canaries. Similar belated punishments have occurred against the Baggies in recent memory. Dwight Gayle was hit with a retrospective two-match for diving in 2019, with a charge of successful deception of a match official. Brandon Thomas-Asante was given a retrospective three-match ban for a charge of violent conduct, before scoring an equaliser to force a replay, in the FA Cup against Chesterfield in January 2023.
