Saltburn Cricket Club is facing renewed accusations of unsportsmanlike conduct after footage surfaced appearing to show a second player employing a tactic similar to the one that led to a viral scandal. The club was already under investigation following allegations that fielder Brian Devine, 38, had clicked his fingers to mimic the sound of a bat edge, deceiving an umpire into giving a batsman out during a match against Norton.
The North Yorkshire and South Durham Cricket League launched an investigation into Devine on Monday, and he has since been suspended by the club indefinitely. This new footage, posted on social media by umpire Andy Smy, reportedly captures another Saltburn player using the same finger-clicking maneuver during a match against Marton.
Broader Suspicions Emerge
The captain of another team within the league voiced suspicions that this tactic may not have been isolated to the incident involving Devine. He claimed that during a game, a loud clicking sound was heard as the ball went to the wicketkeeper, leading to a batsman being given out. However, the batsman vehemently denied touching the ball. The captain added that his team had three batsmen dismissed in similar circumstances, all of whom insisted they had not made contact with the ball. He also noted that one match saw a wicketkeeper take eight catches, raising further questions.
"It's now completely clear what has been happening and it was not confined to just one game," the captain stated. "I was at the other end when one of our players was dismissed and I heard a big sound as the ball went through and immediately thought: 'He's out.' The umpire didn't hesitate either, but our batsman was adamant he was nowhere near the ball and couldn't understand the loud click."
Club's Response and Match Forfeiture
Earlier in the week, Saltburn's Second XI forfeited a cup match against Marton, with sources indicating a reluctance among players to participate amid the intense scrutiny. The team returned to league play on Saturday against Marton, suffering a nine-wicket defeat. Devine was not fielding at slip during this match.
Saltburn Cricket Club issued a statement acknowledging the distress caused by the situation. "This has been a very distressing and stressful experience for all those concerned, and we would ask that this reality is borne in mind and that personal boundaries are respected, as we are an amateur club run entirely by volunteers," the statement read.
League's Position
The North Yorkshire and South Durham Cricket League has stated it is treating the allegations with the "utmost seriousness" and stressed the importance of respecting the rights of all parties involved. The league expressed concern for the welfare of those at Saltburn Cricket Club and committed to providing support. They also emphasized the need for natural justice and a fair hearing to avoid prejudicing any formal action.
Player's Reaction
Brian Devine, identified as a father and auction mart worker from Guisborough, North Yorkshire, is reportedly seeking to avoid public attention as the scandal unfolds. A friend described Devine as "bewildered" by the global reaction to the incident, which has attracted attention from international podcasts and media outlets. He is reportedly hoping the situation will subside and that he can return to playing cricket, though he understands the need for an investigation.