West Brom forward Aune Heggebo has been given a two-match ban for "successful deception of a match official" when scoring a goal with his hand during the 2-1 win at Norwich in their opening Championship match of the new season.
Heggebo was charged with misconduct, contrary to FA Rule E3.1, by the Football Association following the match at Carrow Road, where his 75th-minute goal was given by the on-field officials despite protests from the Norwich players and bench.
Norwegian Heggebo had denied the charge, but an independent regulatory commission found it to be proven and imposed the sanction following a hearing.
West Brom said the charge is believed to be "the first of its kind in English football," which came about following a rule change prior to the 2024-25 season.
The club's appeal maintained the ball had taken a deflection from the Norwich goalkeeper immediately before making contact with Heggebo's arm, so making any contact accidental.
"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," a statement from West Brom read. "Albion remain steadfast in their support of Aune, whose character and integrity have been evident throughout his time at The Hawthorns."
