Accrington midfielder Sam Finley has been handed an eight-match ban after admitting verbally abusing Rochdale's Irish defender Paul McShane on the grounds of his nationality.

Finley denied using a derogatory, racist term for an Irish traveller during a League One fixture on New Year's Day, but admitted he did reference McShane's nationality.

"I did make reference that Paul should go back to his caravan and that I was referencing his being Irish in doing so," admitted Finley.

The punishment, set out by a Football Association Regulatory Commission, also includes an £850 (€965) fine plus "face-to-face education".

An FA statement read: "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."

McShane has 33 caps for the Republic of Ireland international, making his debut in 2006. The 34-year-old centre-back came through the Manchester United academy before playing for West Brom, Sunderland, Hull City and Reading.

He joined League One Rochdale last summer, where he is managed by Cork native Brian Barry-Murphy.