Ex-FIFA referee reveals EFL position on VAR after West Brom controversy vs Norwich

West Bromwich Albion got their season off to a flyer against Norwich City on Saturday afternoon.

Tipped by many for success in the Championship, the Canaries were beaten 2-1 by James Morrison's men.

Aune Heggebo opened the scoring in controversial fashion, appearing to punch the ball into an open net from a fired cross.

There was nothing dodgy about Jimmy-Jay Morgan's goal though, which sealed the three points in East Anglia.

Of course, the entire debate around Carrow Road since has been Heggebo's controversial strike.

With VAR a hot topic in the Premier League, Championship fans who want it may be left disappointed.

What is EFL's position on VAR?

It looks highly unlikely that it will happen at all, nevermind any time soon.

Regardless of apparent mistakes like the Heggebo goal, Keith Hackett suggests that while Norwich will be upset, VAR won't be coming soon.

The ex-FIFA referee has exclusively told West Brom News that the officials simply weren't in the right position, and VAR would have chalked off the goal.

"It is for this reason that VAR was introduced into the game and in use at the Premier League level," Hackett said.

"That decision would have been reviewed and the goal chalked off.

"The referee was not ideally positioned to determine that an handball offence had taken place.

"Norwich can be upset but the EFL are not going to introduce VAR in the foreseeable future."

What did Norwich say about West Brom incident?

Philippe Clement was clearly unhappy, saying that his side should have taken all three points.

The former Rangers manager insisted that his staff and players clearly saw the handball, but the officials simply didn't listen to protests.

"I'm really frustrated to lose points like this," he said.

"Also, because the way we conceded the first goal. I expect also that the referees see things like what happened with the goal.

"Because it's incredible, we can see that from the bench."

West Brom are due some good luck, especially after the rubbish of last season, and Heggebo wheeled away in celebration as he should.

The Baggies weren't backed by many, if any, to win at Norwich, but the gameplan was superb to soak up pressure and then hit the home side where it hurt at the exact right times.

Forget VAR, let's just appreciate a great opening couple of weekends for the Albion on their travels.