Archive · 31 Jul 2026
Clickgate: Amateur Cricketer Suspended Over Finger‑Click Cheating in Yorkshire
A cricket player named Brian Devine was seen clicking his fingers at the exact moment a ball passed a batter’s bat.
The click sounded like the ball had hit the bat, so the umpire gave the batter out.
A video of this was shared online and many people called it "Clickgate."
The club that Devine plays for suspended him while the league investigates.
Some people, like a podcast called The Grade Cricketer, said they would support him.
The incident shows how cheating can happen even in amateur sports.
A first‑slip fielder in the North Yorkshire and South Durham Cricket League was seen clicking his fingers to mimic an edge, leading to a caught‑behind dismissal.
The incident, captured on video by Ben Mummery, went viral and was dubbed "Clickgate" by social media users.
Saltburn Cricket Club suspended the accused player, Brian Devine, pending a full investigation by the league.
The club’s statement emphasized seriousness of the allegation and cooperation with the league’s inquiry.
Australian podcasters The Grade Cricketer offered support to Devine, calling him "Clicky Ponting".
- Who
- Brian Devine, a Saltburn cricketer
- What
- Finger‑clicking to deceive umpire into a caught‑behind dismissal
- When
- Last Saturday during a Division Two match
- Where
- North Yorkshire and South Durham Cricket League, Saltburn vs Norton
- Why
- To mislead the umpire into awarding a dismissal
- Player involved
- Brian Devine
- Club
- Saltburn Cricket Club
- League
- North Yorkshire and South Durham Cricket League
- Incident type
- Finger‑click cheating
- Action taken
- Suspension pending investigation
