Tranmere Rovers midfielder Sam Finley given 13-game ban for homophobic comment to opponent

Tranmere Rovers midfielder Sam Finley has been given a 13-game suspension for making a homophobic comment to an opposition player.

The 32-year-old admitted using ‘abusive and or insulting’ language towards Walsall forward Jamille Matt during a League Two match on January 11.

Finley was sent off during that game after just 38 minutes as Tranmere went on to lose 5-1.

The Tranmere midfielder has accepted the charge, which has resulted in the Football Assocation handing him a significant suspension, plus a £2,000 fine. He has also been ordered to complete an education programme.

The lengthy ban is one game above the 12-match limit for an aggravated breach involving ‘abusive, indecent or insulting words or behaviour’ because of Finley’s previous offences.

In 2016, Finley received a four-match ban and a fine for a homophobic remark to a referee while playing for AFC Fylde.

Finley was also banned for eight games for an offensive comment to a Rochdale player when he was playing for Accrington Stanley in April 2020.

A statement from the FA 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 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.’

A statement from Tranmere read: ‘Finley’s suspension will begin immediately. He has also been fined £2,000 and ordered to complete an education programme.

‘The club condemns all forms of discrimination and will deal with the matter internally. ‘

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