Tranmere Rovers midfielder Sam Finley has been handed a 13-game ban for making a homophobic comment to Walsall striker Jamille Matt during a League Two match in January.
The 32-year-old has also been fined £2,000 and ordered to complete an education programme following a Regulatory Commission hearing.
Finley admitted a Football Association charge of misconduct over the incident.
The incident occurred during a League Two game between Tranmere and Walsall on 11 January 2025.
Tranmere Rovers midfielder Sam Finley was sent off in the same match
PA
Finley was sent off in the first half of Tranmere's 5-1 defeat, 15 minutes after exchanging words with Matt.
The exchange reportedly happened around the 23rd minute of the match.
A foul by Tranmere's Tom Davis on Walsall's Nathan Lowe sparked verbal insults between players, which included the alleged slur.
Matt immediately alerted referee Jeremy Simpson about Finley's language.
The FA alleged that Finley's language towards Matt was "abusive and/or insulting and/or improper" contrary to FA Rule E3.1.
It was further alleged that this constituted an "aggravated breach" under FA Rule E3.2, as it included a reference to sexual orientation.
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An independent Regulatory Commission imposed the sanctions following a hearing.
Finley admitted the charge throughout the process, acknowledging what he said to Matt after the match.
This is not Finley's first misconduct charge involving discriminatory language.
In February 2016, while playing for AFC Fylde, he was charged for a homophobic comment made to a referee, resulting in a four-match ban and a fine.
He also received an eight-match ban, reduced from 11, and a fine for making an offensive comment to a Rochdale player while playing for Accrington Stanley in April 2020.
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Sam Finley has been sent off for innappropriate language in the past
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The FA had pushed for a six-month ban due to these previous offences.
Finley expressed disappointment in himself for using the homophobic comment "in the heat of the moment" and has apologised for his actions.
The midfielder has sought support for anger management issues.
He has held multiple calls with Sporting Chance, an organisation that provides mental health support for athletes.
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Sam Finley has apologised for his actions
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The Commission did not view the FA's suggested six-month ban as appropriate, despite Finley's previous offences.
Finley must complete a mandatory education programme as part of his punishment.
The midfielder has played 33 times in League Two this season for Tranmere.
Rovers are not yet safe from relegation but can secure their safety on the penultimate day of the season.
A victory over Crewe Alexandra at Prenton Park would be enough to guarantee Tranmere's League Two status for next season.
