Port Adelaide star Zak Butters’ charge of questioning umpire Nick Foot’s integrity has been upheld, with a tribunal enforcing a $1500 fine on the AFL star.
Evidence was given to the tribunal on Tuesday evening after it was alleged Butters said to umpire Foot “How much are they paying you?” during his side’s loss to St Kilda.
Butters denied this, insisting he actually said words to the effect of “How is that a free-kick?”
Those who gave evidence at the tribunal included Butters, Foot, Power midfielder Ollie Wines, and Port Adelaide General Manager Ben Rutten.
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After hearing both arguments, the tribunal deliberated for around 30 minutes, before confirming that the charge would be upheld and a $1500 fine issued.
Reasons for the decision will be communicated to both parties tomorrow.
Reacting to the decision, Butters, who arrived for the tribunal in a t-shirt with the word “Listen” printed on it, said: “I’m clearly disappointed with the result tonight.
“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. Thank you.”
The matter was complicated after the microphone audio capturing what Butters said was inconclusive.
Speaking to Seven’s Xander McGuire immediately after the siren of the Power’s 81-67 loss to St Kilda, the out-of-contract midfielder was unwavering in his defence of the incident.
“I’d love to know the language that I said, because I went up to him after the game and obviously just to have a chat — like any two humans do,” Butters said.“He said he didn’t want to speak to me. All I said was: ‘How was that a free kick?’ He gave it 50, and said I’m on report.
“I had a few teammates right next to me, Ollie Wines. I’m curious to follow that one up, because I’m never going to say anything bad to the umpire. I just want to follow up and ask what he thought I said from his end.”
When queried by McGuire on whether any expletives were used, Butters responded: “Genuinely no swear words (or) any bad language. That’s why I was curious and obviously a bit frustrated, because it led to a goal.
“I feel like I’m a pretty honest bloke out there and have a good relationship with most umpires. I’m sure the club will deal with that.
“I’d fight it (any charge) to the hills, because I know what I said, and I know I didn’t say anything bad.”
The free kick came at a costly time for the hosts, who went on to kick four of the next five goals to get back within nine points before ultimately falling short.
First-year Port Adelaide coach Josh Carr found himself somewhat frustrated by inconsistencies in the umpiring throughout the night.\
In the first quarter, especially, Fox Footy commentators debated several instances where St Kilda players potentially initiated contact with their heads before being awarded a free kick.
“We didn’t handle the frees that well. Was that them getting their head over the footy? I don’t know if it was consistent on both sides of the footy with the frees… but that’s definitely not what hurt us,” Carr told journalists post-game.
When quizzed on Butters’ report, he responded: “I don’t know the details to it.”
Fox Footy reporter David Zita detailed what the standard procedure for an alleged offence of this kind will entail in the next 48 to 72 hours post-game.
“You can see him getting told by the umpire he is on report. He seemed quite shocked by it, and the teammates around him seemed quite shocked by it as well,” Zita said post-match.
“This normally ends up in the fixed financial offences category. Michael Christian, the MRO (Match Review Officer), you would suspect would get a report lodged from the umpire as to what was said. Then, he makes a determination from there.”
Port Adelaide have a six-day break before their Round 6 clash with Hawthorn on Saturday afternoon at Marvel Stadium.
