Chris Goreham

Aune Heggebo’s controversial handball goal helped West Bromwich Albion defeat Norwich City in the Championship, renewing debate about the league’s decision not to introduce VAR. Chris Goreham argues that refereeing errors are an inevitable consequence of that choice, while acknowledging the officials’ difficult conditions and Norwich’s failure to convert long periods of dominance into goals. Despite the setback, he sees enough in Norwich’s performance to suggest a possible top-eight challenge. The column also discusses Mohamed Toure adopting injured Ali Ahmed’s squad number and the symbolic importance of shirt numbers, citing Jude Bellingham’s career as an example.