West Bromwich Albion striker Aune Heggebo has been handed a two-match ban by the Football Association for scoring with his hand in his side’s 2-1 win against Norwich City.
The Norwegian has been found guilty of breaching Rule E3.1 after scoring a goal with his arm in the 75th minute, giving the visitors the lead.
Norwich boss Philippe Clement described the incident as “a decisive moment in the game. I think this is a clear-cut goal that should be disallowed”.
An FA spokesman shared the details of the ban, saying: “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, August 15.
“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.”
West Brom will now be without Heggebo for their next league game against Burnley and their League Cup tie against Premier League outfit Newcastle United.
Aune Heggebo has been banned for the next two matches
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GETTYIt is believed to be the first of its kind in English football following a rule change.
The Baggies confirmed they will write to the FA for an explanation and are “requesting clarification on how a player is reasonably expected to react should similar circumstances arise in the future”.
Following the game on Saturday, Clement made his feelings clear, saying the goal should have been ruled out.
He said: “It was clearly with the arm that the player scores – we could see that from where we were watching, 50 yards away. It was the decisive moment in the game and should have been spotted.
Aune Heggebo will miss the Baggies’ games against Burnley and Newcastle
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PA
“There are four officials, and one of them should have seen it. Maybe the referee didn’t have the best view, but the linesman on our side needs to see that.
“Missing game-changing moments like this shouldn’t happen; it has cost us at least two, maybe three points.”
Regarding his side’s performance, he continued: “We should have won this game, we played well, showed good intensity and were the better side in all aspects of the game.
“I am really pleased with all aspects of the performance – except putting the ball in the back of the net.”
Philippe Clement was furious with the officials for missing the handball
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PAThe win was a huge three points for the Baggies on the opening day, as they had to sit in for the majority of the game.
West Brom manager James Morrison felt his side was fortunate to come away with the win.
He said: “We were on the defensive for a lot of the game and certainly rode our luck at times. We weren’t good enough on the ball, especially in the first half.
“We certainly didn’t play the sort of football we did in pre-season. We need to be a lot better than this, although I am sure we will be better once we get into our rhythm.
“In the end, we were grateful for some good saves from Max [O’Leary], some good blocks – and a lot of hard work.
“We improved a bit after the break, and I think the substitutions helped, and it was obviously pleasing to get those late goals.”
