Tranmere Rovers midfielder Sam Finley has been handed a significant 13-match suspension and a £2,000 fine by the FA for what was termed an “aggravated breach” of rules, involving a discriminatory comment based on sexual orientation.
The 32-year-old player admitted to using “abusive and/or insulting” language, specifically a homophobic comment, towards Walsall striker Jamille Matt during a League Two match on January 11.
Finley was sent off during the same match, a 5-1 defeat for Tranmere, after just 38 minutes due to two quick yellow cards, the second for handball. Matt had already scored the first of his two goals, giving Walsall a 2-0 advantage when Finley received his red card.
Finley accepted the charge related to his comment, leading to the Football Association imposing the lengthy ban and fine. This is not Finley`s first disciplinary issue of this kind; he previously received a four-game ban and fine in February 2016 for a homophobic remark made to a referee while playing for AFC Fylde.
Additionally, in April 2020, while with Accrington Stanley, he was fined and banned for eight matches (reduced from an initial 11) for making an offensive remark to a Rochdale player.
Both the FA and Tranmere Rovers issued statements regarding the decision. The FA detailed that an independent Regulatory Commission imposed the sanctions for a Rule E3 breach during the January 11 match, specifically citing the abusive/insulting language towards the Walsall player as an `aggravated breach` under Rule E3.2 due to its reference to sexual orientation. Tranmere confirmed Finley`s admission to the charge and stated they condemn discrimination and would handle the matter internally.
The suspension is effective immediately, meaning Finley will miss Tranmere`s crucial remaining games as they battle to avoid relegation from the English Football League. Tranmere is currently only four points clear of the relegation zone heading into their upcoming home game against Crewe.
Finley`s career began in the Everton youth setup before he played in non-league football and for TNS in Wales. After a loan spell at Wrexham, his clubs included Fylde, Accrington, Fleetwood, and Bristol Rovers (where he helped secure promotion in 2022), before joining Tranmere last summer.
This season, he has played 37 games for Tranmere, scoring two goals but also receiving ten yellow cards and one red card.
