Essendon coach Brad Scott says he is confused by the tribunal’s decision to sanction Port Adelaide star Zak Butters without concrete evidence.
Butters was fined $1500 on Tuesday afternoon, deemed guilty of asking field umpire Nick Foot “How much are they paying you?” after a contentious decision.
The star midfielder argued he asked Foot to the effect of “How are you paying that?”
The AFL tribunal sided with Foot despite his microphone being unable to distinctively pick up the exchange.
Butters tried to reason with Foot post game but the experienced umpire declined any further dialogue.
Scott, who worked for the AFL prior to taking the Bombers’ job, says he’s eager for the explanation as to why Butters was convicted based on one testimony.
“First and foremost, I agree that players shouldn’t have a forum to talk to umpires post game,” Scott said.
“I think it’s a very, very dangerous road to go down that one … I know in some sports the captains can approach umpires.
“But I just think for all levels of the game, once the game is finished, there shouldn’t be any dialogue with umpires.
“That being said, I am probably like every footy or person waiting for an explanation as to how take one person’s word over another.
“There’s apparently no evidence other than what one person said versus what the other person said.
“So how you form a conclusion based on that, is totally beyond me. But maybe there will be an explanation coming.”
Scott’s stance comes after AFL Players’ Association chief executive James Gallagher said he supported Butters and the Power in their appeal options.
“We are deeply disappointed by last night’s Tribunal outcome for Port Adelaide’s Zak Butters,” he said.
“A misunderstanding about what was said on field should have been resolved in the aftermath of the match, not referred to the Tribunal.
“The Tribunal determining not to accept all of the evidence consistent with Zak’s version of events, including testimony of Zak’s teammate Ollie Wines, nor have sufficient doubt when upholding a charge is deeply concerning.
“In the off-season, we made it clear to the AFL that we would closely monitor the Tribunal’s decisions during 2026 given concerns raised by players in recent seasons.
“It is important that all participants in the game, but most importantly the players, have confidence in the disciplinary system to which they’re subjected.
“We’ve offered our full support to Zak and Port Adelaide in exploring their options to appeal.”
