Controversial handball fuels West Brom's Championship opening win

West Brom star Aune Heggebo stunned fans by scoring with his hand on the Championship opening day, helping the Baggies to a 2-1 victory over Norwich at Carrow Road on Saturday afternoon; the incident was missed by officials, and the match report was published at 08:39 BST on 16 August 2026, with an update at 08:40 BST.

Opening controversy

Heggebo raced in to tap home Jimmy‑Jay Morgan's cross, raised his leg to poke the ball, but his left arm inadvertently guided it into the net, prompting Norwich players to protest to referee Tim Robinson, who failed to spot the handball.

Despite the Baggies being well below par, James Morrison's side claimed the win, and the handball goal quickly became the main takeaway from a far‑from‑routine performance.

Second‑half drama

New signing Jimmy‑Jay Morgan, who joined for £4 million from Chelsea this summer, added a second goal in the 87th minute, while Mathias Kvistgaarden's 90th‑minute strike offered Norwich only a consolation.

Norwich manager Philippe Clement 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," adding that the missed call cost his side at least two points.

Social‑media users expressed disbelief, with one writing, "Cracking header from Heggebo tbf," and another commenting, "You could see it on Aune Heggebo after the goal that he had cheated, and it's just unbelievable that neither the referee nor linesman sees this. I'll take one of these in every single match this season over VAR anyway."