English professional footballer Sam Finley has received the longest known suspension in sport for using a homophobic slur — a staggering 13-match ban — after he admitted to directing a gay slur at an opposing player during a match.
Finley, who currently plays for Tranmere Rovers FC in England’s EFL League Two, reportedly acknowledged the misconduct following an investigation. The Football Association (FA) confirmed his admission and announced the disciplinary action.
“Sam Finley subsequently admitted the charge against him,” the FA wrote in a statement. “The Regulatory Commission imposed his sanctions following a hearing.”
In addition to the 13-game suspension, Finley must attend a mandatory face-to-face education programme within four months and pay a £2,000 (approximately $4,200 NZD) fine.
A Repeat Offender
Finley’s football journey has seen him play across multiple clubs over the past two decades, mostly within the lower tiers of English football. Tranmere Rovers, his current team, sits in the fourth tier — EFL League Two.
While the punishment is severe, it’s not Finley’s first brush with disciplinary action. The BBC reports that he was previously sanctioned in 2016 for allegedly using derogatory language, and again in 2020, the latter resulting in an eight-match ban. Given that history, many are questioning how he hasn’t learned from past incidents.
“The Club condemns all forms of discrimination and will deal with the matter internally,” Tranmere Rovers FC said in a brief public statement. The club has not offered further comment.
A Broader Problem in Football
Homophobic slurs and chants continue to plague English football, despite years of public campaigns and policies aimed at stamping out hate speech. Last season alone, over 100 anti-gay incidents were reported across Premier League, EFL, and FA Cup matches, with clubs like Chelsea and Brighton cited most frequently, according to data published in 2024.
And the issue isn’t confined to England. In the U.S., the notorious “puto” chant continues to echo through Major League Soccer stadiums and international matches involving the Mexico National Team, despite repeated bans and warnings.
While football authorities have consistently condemned anti-gay abuse, enforcement has often been inconsistent. Finley’s record-setting ban may mark a turning point, signalling that governing bodies are willing to impose significantly harsher penalties to address persistent discrimination in the sport.
Whether this landmark suspension will deter others remains to be seen. But for now, Finley will be watching from the sidelines — again — as his teammates compete without him.
