EFL player handed one of the longest bans in English football history after 'insulting' comments made towards opponent

An EFL midfielder has been given one of the longest bans in English football history after being found guilty of using insulting language.

Back in January, Sam Finley of Tranmere Rovers was sent off in the 38th minute of a 5-1 defeat to Walsall in League Two.

But the former Accrington Stanley man has been punished for a separate incident from earlier on in the game after he was alleged to have made a reference to sexual orientation when insulting an opposition player.

Following a hearing where Finley admitted the charge, the decision from an independent panel sees the 32-year-old suspended for 13 games, as well as being required to pay a £2,000 fine and participate in an educational programme.

The FA website explained: "An independent Regulatory Commission has imposed a 13-match suspension, £2,000 fine and mandatory education programme on Sam Finley for a breach of FA Rule E3 during the EFL League Two fixture between Tranmere Rovers and Walsall on Saturday 11 January 2025.

It was alleged that the midfielder’s language towards a Walsall player around the 23rd minute was abusive and/or insulting and/or improper contrary to FA Rule E3.1. It was further alleged that this constitutes an ‘aggravated breach’, which is defined in FA Rule E3.2, as it included a reference – whether express or implied – to sexual orientation.

Sam Finley has been banned for 13 games. Image: Getty

"Sam Finley subsequently admitted the charge against him. The Regulatory Commission imposed his sanctions following a hearing, and its written reasons for them can be seen in full below."

The ban is longer than the suspension Luis Suarez served after being found guilty of racially abusing Patrice Evra and Rodrigo Bentancur's for an alleged racist remark about Spurs teammate Heung-Min Son.

Finley has previously been banned for eight games for abusing an opponent back in 2020 after being involved in an exchange with Rochdale's Paul McShane, admitting he called him a "p**ey c**t’.

The FA published further details about the latest case involving Finley, citing a witness statement from referee Jeremy Simpson that the player had admitted to calling Jamille Matt, "a big f***ot’ and apologised after the game before accepting the charges at the earliest opportunity.

The hefty punishment was ultimately handed out because of the player's previous disciplinary record and the fact it was a third aggravated breach.

The panel also placed emphasis on Finley having been sanctioned for use of the word in the past and participated in training relating to its offence.

Finley, who has received outside assistance with anger management issues, must complete face-to-face education sessions within four months of the decision and will be suspended from all activity if he does not do so.

In line with FA regulations, he still has the right to an appeal of the outcome.