20 hours ago
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TRANMERE ROVERS star Sam Finley has been hit with a 13-MATCH suspension for an “aggravated breach” of FA rules.
The midfielder was accused of using “abusive and or insulting” language, namely a homophobic comment to Walsall striker Jamille Matt during a League Two clash in January.
GETTYFinley admitted the breach of rules, which has resulted in the FA handing him a mammoth suspension and a £2,000 fine.
It’s his SECOND offence of this kind following a four-game suspension and fine in February 2016.
That was for a homophobic remark to a referee – while playing for AFC Fylde.
Finley was also fine and banned for eight matches – reduced from 11 – for an offensive comment to a Rochdale player in April 2020 when he was with Accrington Stanley.
Tranmere reacted to Friday’s verdict by saying they “condemn all forms of discrimination and will deal with the matter internally”.
The FA released a statement explaining their decision.
It 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.
“Sam Finley subsequently admitted the charge against him.”
Tranmere responded with a statement of their own.
The League Two club said Finley had admitted the “charge of misconduct”.
Rovers stressed they were opposed to any discrimination but added they would “make no further comment at this time”.
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