A match-turning moment sparks controversy
Lancashire’s T20 Blast campaign came to a dramatic and contentious end during their semi-final clash against eventual champions Somerset. At the heart of the controversy was Liam Livingstone’s dismissal — a key moment that has since triggered an official complaint, widespread social media backlash, and a broader conversation about gender-based abuse in cricket.
Chasing 183, Lancashire were 102 for 3 and still in the hunt when Livingstone was struck on the pad by Somerset captain Lewis Gregory. The on-field umpire raised the finger, and Livingstone instantly reviewed the decision, indicating an inside edge. Replays showed the ball passing extremely close to the bat, with UltraEdge revealing multiple sound spikes.
However, TV umpire Sue Redfern upheld the lbw, concluding:
‘There was a gap between bat and ball.’
Livingstone, visibly stunned, reacted while watching the replay on the big screen:
‘No way, did she say no bat involved?’
He voiced his disbelief to the on-field umpires before walking off, out for 29 off 18 balls. Lancashire collapsed shortly after, losing their last seven wickets for 57 runs.
Lancashire file formal complaint with ECB
Days after the incident, Lancashire issued an official statement on X (formerly Twitter) to formally challenge the decision and its wider fallout.
In the statement, the club said:
“Following on from Finals Day, @lancscricket has formally expressed its disappointment to the ECB regarding the decision that led to the dismissal of Liam Livingstone. The Lancashire allrounder was given out lbw for 29, following a review by the TV umpire.”
This formal expression of discontent highlights Lancashire’s belief that the decision was not just pivotal in the match outcome, but flawed — a sentiment echoed by fans and analysts alike.
Club denounces misogynistic abuse toward Redfern
While defending their position on the decision, Lancashire made it clear that they are not aligned with the wave of misogynistic abuse that followed online, directed at Sue Redfern, who has previously broken barriers as a female umpire in the men’s game.
“While the club remains deeply frustrated and disappointed with the decision, Lancashire is equally clear that it does not condone the misogynistic comments that have appeared across social media in response.”
The statement continued:
“Such behaviour is unacceptable, does not reflect the values of our club or the wider Red Rose family, and has no place in the game.”
Following on from Finals Day, @lancscricket has formally expressed its disappointment to the ECB regarding the decision that led to the dismissal of Liam Livingstone. The Lancashire all-rounder was given out LBW for 29, following a review by the TV umpire.
While the Club remains… pic.twitter.com/NLgtnWOXca
— Lancashire Cricket (@lancscricket) September 15, 2025
Redfern at the center of gendered scrutiny
Sue Redfern’s decision in the semi-final brought her into the spotlight — not for the first time. A former England international with 11 caps, she has steadily established herself in the umpiring world. In 2021, she became the first woman to officiate in an England men’s international, and in 2022, she was named as the first full-time female professional umpire by the ECB.
Her appointment to officiate at T20 Blast Finals Day — a high-profile men’s event — was a significant milestone. But the backlash to her Livingstone decision has highlighted ongoing issues in the sport’s culture.
Lancashire’s season ends, questions remain
The semi-final result capped off a difficult weekend for Lancashire, who were already without key players including Jos Buttler, Phil Salt, Saqib Mahmood, and Luke Wood — all on England duty. Overseas players Chris Green and Ashton Turner were also unavailable. The team handed T20 debuts to Arav Shetty and brought in George Balderson for his first game of the season.
Despite the depleted squad, the team battled hard until the disputed dismissal shifted momentum.
With the ECB now in possession of Lancashire’s formal complaint, and with the cricket community watching closely, the fallout from Livingstone’s lbw decision is far from over — and its implications may stretch well beyond one match.
