2 weeks Ago By James Stroud
Tranmere Rovers midfielder Sam Finley has been handed a 13-game ban for using a homophobic slur during a match. In January, Finley was shown a red card in the 38th minute of his side's 5-1 defeat to Walsall in League Two . Earlier on in the match, Finley was involved in an altercation with Walsall's Jamille Matt.
The two players exchanged verbal insults following a foul by Tranmere's Tom Davis on Walsall's Nathan Lowe. Matt, angered by the words that Finley had used in their exchange, informed the referee, who had not heard Finley's comment. The FA have now slapped Finley with a 13-match ban and ordered him to pay a £2,000 fine.
As well as his ban and fine, Finley must now attend a mandatory face-to-face education programme. In a statement published on their website, the FA wrote: "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 Regulatory Commission imposed his sanctions following a hearing." The FA also published its written reasons for the sanctions.
During the hearing, Marr revealed how Finley had called him a f*****. Matt's version of events was supported by the referee for the match, Jeremy Simpson. Simpson stated how Finley admitted that he called Matt ‘a big f*****’ and apologised for the words that he had used.
Finley said that he was disappointed in himself for using such words and said they were issued in the heat of the moment. He is said to have maintained his post-match admission in an interview with the FA and accepted the charges against him at the earliest opportunity. The Tranmere midfielder has been banned for similar offences before.
In 2016, he was given a four-match ban for calling the referee a ‘f****** f*****’ during a fixture between Lowestoft Town FC and AFC Fylde. In 2020, while playing for Accrington Stanley, he was given a 8-game suspension after saying ‘f*** off you p**** c*** ’ to a Rochdale player. Sandro Tonali, Eric Cantona, Ivan Toney and Luis Suarez are among the players that have been slapped with lengthy bans.
Because this is his third aggravated breach, The FA argued for a six-month minimum ban. Finley now has the right to appeal. Tranmere posted the following statement after the sanctions were announced : "The Club condemns all forms of discrimination and will deal with the matter internally.
The Club will make no further comment at this time.".
