Port Adelaide’s acting captain Zak Butters faces a $1500 fine after an AFL tribunal upheld charges of using abusive language toward umpire Nick Foot during a loss to St Kilda. The decision, reached after a tense hearing, hinges on conflicting accounts of Butters’ words, sparking outrage from the club and players’ association.
The Incident on the Field
During Port Adelaide’s defeat to St Kilda, Butters allegedly directed the remark “How much are they paying you?” at umpire Nick Foot, questioning his integrity. Butters maintains he asked, “How is that a free-kick?” or similar phrasing. No audio from the umpire’s microphone captured the exchange, leaving testimony as the key evidence.
Tribunal Deliberations and Ruling
The tribunal reviewed arguments from both sides, deliberating for about 30 minutes before upholding the charge. AFL counsel pointed to slight variations in Butters’ account: he told the panel “surely that’s not a free kick,” differing from his post-match comment to media, “How’s that a free kick?” Teammate Ollie Wines supported Butters, stating he could not recall the exact words but was certain the alleged phrase was not uttered. “I categorically deny that’s what he said,” Wines testified. “I did not hear that at all or anything remotely close.”
Evidence Challenges and Credibility
The case turned on witness credibility, with the tribunal favoring Foot’s version. Reports indicate further discrepancies in Butters’ statements, including a text message version that differed from his hearing testimony. Sources confirm the AFL sought a private resolution beforehand, requiring Butters to acknowledge a mistake and accept the fine, but he declined.
Club and Player Backlash
Port Adelaide expresses anger and bewilderment over the ruling, viewing it as a dismissal of their players’ testimony. The AFL Players Association shares the frustration, with CEO James Gallagher contacting Butters, who remains furious. Essendon legend James Hird predicts an appeal, calling the verdict a character slur. “Basically what the AFL are saying is, ‘Zak, you are lying. You’re not telling the truth,’” Hird stated. “If I was Zak Butters, I’d be taking this all the way because if you definitely know you didn’t say it, you can’t have that on your character.”
Butters’ Response
Arriving at the hearing in a t-shirt emblazoned with “Listen,” Butters voiced disappointment afterward. “I’m clearly disappointed with the result tonight,” he said. “I stand by knowing what I said and what I didn’t say, especially what I didn’t say. I’d like to thank the club for the support.” Official reasons for the ruling reach both parties soon, as tensions between Port Adelaide and AFL headquarters simmer.
