EFL star hit with 13-MATCH ban for ‘discriminatory abuse regarding sexual orientation’

Tranmere Rovers midfielder Sam Finley has been hit with a lengthy suspension and a fine after he was found to have made a homophobic comment during his side’s 5-1 defeat to Walsall

League Two midfielder Sam Finley has received a 13-match suspension after he admitted to making an “abusive and/or insulting” comment towards Jamille Matt during a game between Tranmere Rovers and Walsall in January.

The Tranmere star was sent off in the first-half of the game after picking up two yellow cards in quick succession, with Walsall going on to win the game 5-1 after Matt netted a brace.

Finley has also been hit with a £2,000 fine and is required to complete an education programme following a hearing by the Football Assocation’s independent regulatory commission.

An FA statement read: “An independent Regulatory Commission has imposed a 13-match suspension, £2,000 fine and mandatory education programme on Sam Finley for a breach of FA Rule E3 during the EFL League Two fixture between Tranmere Rovers and Walsall on Saturday 11 January 2025.

“It was alleged that the midfielder’s language towards a Walsall player around the 23rd minute was abusive and/or insulting and/or improper contrary to FA Rule E3.1. It was further alleged that this constitutes an ‘aggravated breach’, which is defined in FA Rule E3.2, as it included a reference – whether express or implied – to sexual orientation.

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“Sam Finley subsequently admitted the charge against him. The Regulatory Commission imposed his sanctions following a hearing.” In a statement, Tranmere said the club “condemns all forms of discrimination and will deal with the matter internally”.

Players who are found guilty of an “aggravated breach” of FA rules regarding “abusive, indecent or insulting words or behaviour” typically receive a ban of between six and 12 games. However, Finley has been hit with a 13-match suspension because of previous offences.

The 32-year-old was previously banned for four games and fined £250 back in 2016 after he was found to have made a homophobic comment towards a referee while playing for AFC Fylde.

He also received an eight-match ban and an £850 fine after he was found to have made an offensive comment towards a Rochdale player while he was at Accrington Stanley in 2020.

Tranmere are battling to stay up and currently sit four points above Carlisle United with two league games remaining. They will be back in action on Saturday when they host Crewe Alexandra and Tranmere boss Andy Crosby is confident his side have what it takes to stay up.

“It will be great to be back home on Saturday, the crowd have been amazing with us home and away,” Crosby said after Tranmere’s 0-0 draw with Barrow on Monday. “We want Prenton Park rocking.

“I want the crowd to be right behind the players. Those feelings aren’t going to go away, they’re going to intensity, but we’ve got good players and I want them to play with some freedom, to be themselves, trust themselves, be creative in the final third.

“The players are giving everything. They desperately want to do so well for the club. Eleven games we set out what we wanted to do – no points total, just prepare for the next game, and that’s exactly what we’ll do for Saturday.”

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