Overview

• Sam Finley has been suspended for 13 matches, fined £2,000, and ordered to complete a mandatory education programme for using a homophobic slur during a January match against Walsall.
• The incident was classified as an 'aggravated breach' under FA Rule E3.2 due to its reference to sexual orientation.
• This is Finley’s third ban for discriminatory language, following a four-match ban in 2016 and an eight-match ban in 2020 for similar offenses.
• The FA initially sought a six-month suspension, but an independent Regulatory Commission imposed the 13-match ban after considering Finley’s admission and prior history.
• Tranmere Rovers condemned all forms of discrimination in a statement and confirmed they would handle the matter internally.