Adrian Durham hits back at VAR calls after controversial West Brom goal

Adrian Durham has strongly rejected suggestions that VAR should be introduced into the EFL after West Bromwich Albion’s controversial opening goal against Norwich City.

The Baggies took the lead in the 75th minute when Aune Heggebo bundled the ball over the line following a cross from Jimmy-Jay Morgan.

However, replays appeared to show the ball making contact with Heggebo’s arm before it crossed the goal line.

Norwich players immediately appealed for a handball, but referee Tim Robinson allowed the goal to stand.

José Cordoba and Ben Chrisene were among those visibly protesting the decision, while Heggebo celebrated his first goal of the campaign.

The incident quickly sparked debate over whether VAR could help prevent similar controversies in the Championship.

Adrian Durham rejects VAR suggestion

Commentator Mike Sewell suggested that VAR could be useful in the EFL after the controversial decision.

That suggestion did not go down well with talkSPORT presenter Adrian Durham.

Durham strongly dismissed the idea and insisted that the Championship does not need VAR.

He argued that Norwich had enough time to find a goal themselves and should not use one controversial decision as an argument for introducing the technology.

Durham also referenced Norwich manager Philippe Clement’s previous calls for VAR, questioning whether the calls only emerge when decisions go against a team.

His comments added another layer to an already heated debate surrounding the decision.

Clement furious over handball decision

Clement was understandably unhappy when asked about the incident after the match.

The Norwich boss revealed that his team had spoken to the officials but felt the handball should have been spotted.

He also questioned the positioning of the assistant referee and pointed out that several Norwich players immediately appealed to the referee.

Clement felt the decision ultimately cost his team valuable points.

West Brom seal victory despite late Norwich goal

West Brom doubled their advantage shortly before the 90-minute mark, with Morgan finding the net against his former club.

Norwich managed to pull one back late through Mathias Kvistgaarden, but the Canaries could not find an equaliser.

The defeat was particularly frustrating for Clement’s side given their attacking statistics.

Norwich registered 20 shots and an expected goals figure of almost three, while West Brom scored twice from just eight attempts on target.

West Brom goalkeeper Max O’Leary also played a key role, making seven saves to help his side secure the victory.

The controversial Heggebo goal will nevertheless remain the major talking point, with the debate over VAR in the EFL likely to continue.