Tranmere's Finley gets 13-game ban for homophobic slur

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

The midfielder, 32, admitted a Football Association charge of misconduct over a comment made to Walsall striker Jamille Matt during a League Two game in January.

Finley has also been fined £2,000 and ordered to complete an education programme following an Independent Regulatory Commission hearing.

The lengthy suspension is one match above the 12-game upper limit for an aggravated breach involving "abusive, indecent or insulting words or behaviour" because of Finley's past offences.

He was previously charged for a similar homophobic comment made to a referee in February 2016 while Finley was playing for AFC Fylde – which resulted in a four-match ban and fine.

He also received an eight-match ban, reduced from 11, and fine for making an offensive comment to a Rochdale player while playing for Accrington Stanley in April 2020.