The incident occurred when Heggebo scored the Baggies' opening goal in their away victory at Carrow Road on Saturday. However, replays showed he had diverted Jimmy-Jay Morgan's cross into the net with his arms, despite the appeals of the Norwich players. The goal was allowed to stand by referee Tim Robinson, and it quickly went viral on social media, leading to calls for VAR to be introduced by the EFL.
Heggebo was subsequently charged by the FA this week, and despite West Brom appealing against their decision, he has been suspended for two matches with immediate effect. The FA spokesperson confirmed the punishment in a statement, saying that Heggebo had acted in an improper manner by handling the ball in a direct and successful attempt to score a goal. An independent Regulatory Commission found the charge to be proven and imposed the two-match ban.
Heggebo will now miss Sunday's home match against Burnley, live on talkSPORT 2, and will also be suspended for West Brom's trip to Newcastle United in the Carabao Cup second round on Wednesday. He will be available to return to action away at Middlesbrough on Saturday, August 29. West Brom will seek clarification from the FA on how their players should react in future to avoid a repeat offence.
Heggebo has scored ten goals in 47 Championship appearances for West Brom since joining the club from Brann in his native Norway last summer. The 25-year-old's suspension is a significant blow to the Baggies, who sit fourth in the second-tier following their opening weekend win over the Canaries.