Tranmere Rovers midfielder Sam Finley handed 13-match suspension and fined £2,000 for using homophobic language towards opponent

Tranmere Rovers midfielder Sam Finley has been handed a 13-match suspension and fined £2,000 for using homophobic language towards an opponent in a game against Walsall in January, the Football Association (FA) said on Friday, 25 April.

During Walsall’s 5-1 win over Tranmere in fourth-tier League Two in January, Finley admitted to the referee that he had called Jamille Matt an anti-gay term after the Walsall striker notified the match official.

The FA alleged Finley’s language was “abusive and/or insulting and/or improper” and constituted an aggravated breach as it included a reference to sexual orientation.

Finley later admitted the charge against him and although the FA sought a six-month ban as it was Finley’s third aggravated breach, an independent panel said there were mitigating factors.

The panel said the offending word was used only once and that the incident was not premeditated.

In a statement, Tranmere Rovers said: “The Club can confirm that Sam Finley has been suspended for 13 matches by the FA following a Regulatory Commission hearing.

“The midfielder admitted the charge of Misconduct in respect of a comment made during the fixture against Walsall in January. It was alleged the language he used was abusive and/or insulting and/or improper, contrary to FA Rule E 3.1. It was further alleged that this breach of Rule E3.1 was an “Aggravated Breach”, as defined in Rule E3.2, as it included a reference, whether express or implied, to sexual orientation.

“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. The Club will make no further comment at this time.”