English footballer Sam Finley has been suspended for eight games for giving Paul McShane anti-Irish abuse in a match between Rochdale and Accrington Stanley on New Year's Day.
Finley denied calling the Ireland international a 'pikey' but did admit he suggested McShane relocate himself to a mobile home living arrangement popular with members of the Travelling community during a disagreement in the 23rd minute of the match.
"I did make reference that Paul should go back to his caravan and that I was referencing his being Irish in doing so," Finlay stated.
8-match FA ban for Accrington‘s Sam Finley for calling Rochdale’s Paul McShane a “pikey” in a League One game.
Finley denied using the word but told the FA: “I did make reference that Paul should go back to his caravan and that I was referencing his being Irish in doing so”.— Rob Harris (@RobHarris) April 21, 2020
Paul McShane does not live in a caravan.
The official ruling from the Football Association's disciplinary panel reads as follows:
The Accrington Stanley FC midfielder admitted using abusive or insulting language during the 23rd minute of an EFL League One fixture against Rochdale AFC on Wednesday 1 January 2020. The language used was contrary to FA Rule E3(1) and constituted an 'aggravated breach', which is defined in FA Rule E3(2), as it included a reference to nationality."
The eight game suspension will be filled whenever the League One season resumes. The punishment carries with it a fine of £850. Finley will also have to undergo 'face-to-face education'.
