Championship star slapped with two-match ban for ‘successful deception of a match official’

AUNE HEGGEBO has been slapped with a two-match ban after being found to have “deceived” a referee. The Norwegian, 25, bundled West Brom into the lead in their Championship opener at Norwich. Aune Heggebo bundled the ball in with his arm Credit: Sky Sports Replays clearly showed the ball going in off Heggebo’s arm. This led to the forward being charged with breaching FA Rule E3.1. for “deception of a match official” – the first charge of this type since a law change in 2024. Sign up for the Football newsletter Thank you! Dream Team is back, free, and there’s £100,000 up for grabs! West Brom appealed the charge, claiming that the ball was deflected by the goalkeeper before Heggebo’s touch, giving their man just 0.1 second to react. The appeal was brought before the Regulatory Commission, which opted to uphold the charge. Heggebo will now miss upcoming matches against Burnley and Newcastle. An FA statement read: “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.” Most read in Football BEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERS In a statement of their own, West Brom confirmed: “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.” The Baggies’ statement concluded: “Albion remain steadfast in their support of Aune, whose character and integrity have been evident throughout his time at The Hawthorns.” West Brom went on to win the match 2-1, with Jimmy-Jay Morgan doubling their lead before a late consolation by Mathias Kvistgaarden. After the match, Norwich boss Philippe Clement blasted the decision to allow Heggebo’s goal. The Belgian, 52, 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. “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.” Norwich protested Heggebo’s controversial goal Credit: Shutterstock Editorial Philippe Clement was furious with the decision Credit: Getty Comment now