West Bromwich Albion head coach James Morrison has stated the Football Association has "opened a can of worms" by banning Aune Heggebo for two matches for deception. The Norway international forward became the first player to be charged with "deception of a match official" since the rule's introduction in the 2017-18 season.
The incident occurred on the first day of the Championship season when Jimmy-Jay Morgan's cross hit Heggebo's hand before going into the net, giving Albion the lead in their 2-1 victory over Norwich City. Morrison told BBC Radio WM that the incident was accidental and that Heggebo was not obligated to inform referee Tim Robinson.
Morrison expressed his disappointment, noting that Heggebo was upset as the charge implied he was a cheat. The 25-year-old missed Sunday's 3-1 win against Burnley and is also set to miss Wednesday's Carabao Cup tie away to Newcastle United. Morrison urged the FA to be consistent with such decisions throughout the season.