Brian Devine banned for two years as Saltburn second XI are relegated

Brian Devine has received a two-year cricket suspension and Saltburn CC's second XI have been relegated following the finger-clicking controversy that spread across social media in July. Teesside Live reported the sanctions, which also include a £300 club fine and a 60-point deduction for the team's 2027 campaign.

The suspension covers cricket under England and Wales Cricket Board jurisdiction from September 30, 2026, to September 29, 2028. Devine cannot play, coach, umpire, score or manage junior teams during that period. Saltburn's seconds drop into Division Three, with Middlesbrough's second XI consequently keeping their Division Two place.

Teesside Live said the inquiry involved interviews, written evidence and examination of match recordings. It understood that an appeal procedure concluded on October 26. Saltburn said it accepted the appeal outcome after participating in the proceedings and was preparing for next season.

The case began with footage from a match against Norton, showing Devine apparently clicking his fingers as the ball passed the bat before a caught-behind dismissal. Sky Sports reported in July that the clip prompted widespread attention and that Saltburn suspended him while the North Yorkshire and South Durham Cricket League investigated. The club said it regarded the allegations as a serious matter. The nickname attached to the controversy, Clicky Ponting, referred to former Australia captain Ricky Ponting.

Sky Sports also reported that Saltburn conceded a second-team cup fixture against Marton after the controversy emerged. At that stage, the league said it had met club officials and sought ECB guidance on conducting a fair inquiry. Its statement stressed the rights of everyone involved and warned against prejudicing disciplinary action. It also expressed concern for club members' welfare and said it wanted to offer support where possible as the case attracted international coverage.

In its closing communication to clubs, reported by Teesside Live, the league acknowledged that people had faced abuse online and in person. It asked others to respect the completion of the formal process.