EFL star banned for 13-MATCHES and fined £2,000 after admitting to FA charge of misconduct for homophobic slur

Tranmere Rovers midfielder Sam Finley has been handed a 13-match suspension and fined £2,000 by the FA for making a homophobic comment to an opposition player.
The 32-year-old has also been ordered to attend an education programme after admitting a charge of misconduct for a statement made to Walsall striker Jamille Matt during a League Two match in January.
Finley was sent off in the 38th minute of the clash - which Tranmere went on to lose 5-1 - after picking up two yellow cards.
In a statement, the FA said: '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.
'Sam Finley subsequently admitted the charge against him.'
The midfielder has received one match more than the 12-game upper limit for an 'aggravated breach' because of his past offences. In 2016 he was handed a four-game suspension and fined for making a homophobic remark to a referee while playing for AFC Fylde.
He was also banned in 2020 for eight matches - reduced from 11 - for an offensive comment to a Rochdale player.
Following Finley's latest suspension, Tranmere said they 'condemn all forms of discrimination and will deal with the matter internally'.
The Liverpudlian, who has played 37 times this term, will now be unavailable for the club's final two fixtures as they attempt to remain in the Football League.

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