Sam Finley Banned 13 Games for Homophobic Slur

Tranmere Rovers midfielder Sam Finley has been suspended for 13 matches, fined £2,000, and ordered to attend a face-to-face education program after admitting to making a homophobic comment to Walsall's Jamille Matt during a January League Two match. The Football Association deemed this an 'aggravated breach' of its rules due to Finley's reference to sexual orientation. The ban, one match longer than the typical maximum, reflects Finley's prior disciplinary record for similar offenses. Finley expressed remorse for the non-premeditated incident, in which the offensive term was used only once. Tranmere Rovers condemned all forms of discrimination and will address the situation internally. Finley has the right to appeal but will miss the remainder of the season as a result of the ban.