West Bromwich Albion head coach James Morrison has defended Aune Heggebo following the Norway international's two-match ban for deception of a match official. The incident occurred during Albion's 2-1 win over Norwich City on the opening day of the Championship season, when Jimmy-Jay Morgan's cross struck Heggebo's hand before going into the net. Morrison stated the handball was accidental and criticised the Football Association for 'opening a can of worms' with the charge.

He emphasized that Heggebo, who became the first player charged under the deception rule since its 2017-18 introduction, is not the type of player to deliberately deceive officials. Morrison added that Heggebo was upset by the implication of cheating and would not have voluntarily admitted to the handball during play. The FA's decision marks the first enforcement of the deception rule in English football since its introduction.