English soccer player gets 13-match ban for using sexual reference when abusing opponent

LONDON AP A soccer participant in England s fourth tier was banned for matches on Friday and ordered to attend an coaching initiative after using a sexual reference when abusing an opponent Sam Finley a midfielder for Tranmere Rovers admitted using language that included a reference to sexual orientation when trading insults with Walsall s Jamille Matt during a Jan match in League Two Finley had been previously punished twice for what the Football Association described as aggravated breaches of rules for abusing opponents The FA commented a regulatory commission imposed the punishment which also includes a fine of pounds following a hearing In its written reasons the commission noted that Finley has sought outside assistance with anger management issues and has had calls with Sporting Chance a charity that provides mental medical aid for professional sportspeople AP soccer https apnews com hub soccer Source