Sam Finley – once of Accrington Stanley – has been handed a 13-match ban after admitting two FA misconduct breaches
Former Accrington Stanley midfielder Sam Finley has been banned for 13 matches by the Football Association (FA) following two breaches of the FA’s misconduct rules.
The now-Tranmere Rovers player admitted to using abusive and/or improper language, contrary to FA rule E3.1 as well as an ‘aggravated breach’ and stated that he was disappointed in himself for using such language.
The 32-year-old was said to have acted in the heat of the moment as he apologised for the words used as he accepted the charge at the earliest possible opportunity.
The incident occurred on January 11, 2025 against Walsall in the 23rd minute of Tranmere’s League Two encounter, which finished 5-1 to the west Midlands club, and in light of the defeat, Finley was charged with misconduct.
The match officials were made aware of the incident after Walsall’s Jamille Matt reported the allegation to the referee, citing Finley had called him a ‘f*****’ following an exchange of verbal insults, in the aftermath of a foul by Tranmere’s Tom Davis on Nathan Lowe.
The Rovers midfielder admitted using the derogatory slur to the match official after the match and accepted the charges, when they were brought before him.
Finley elected for a hearing in front of an independent commission, it was revealed on Friday that he had been sanctioned with the hefty ban, with the FA wanting a six-month suspension – which the commission rejected, and a £2,000 fine.
In the written reasons published by the FA, it was revealed that the sanction would be no fewer than seven matches after being his third breach following incidents in 2016, during his time at AFC Fylde, and in 2020 while he was playing for Accrington Stanley, the former also related to an alleged homophobic slur which resulted in a four-match sanction.
In a statement, the League Two club wrote: “The club can confirm that Sam Finley has been suspended for 13 matches by the Football Association 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.”
Finley will now begin his suspension and miss the final two matches of Tranmere’s season as they battle relegation with a four-point cushion ahead of Carlisle United.
Rovers are in action at Prenton Park against Crewe Alexandra before travelling to Newport County on the final day.