AFL umpire Nick Foot has hit back at social media criticism after Zak Butters’ charge for abusing the official was upheld.
Port Adelaide star Butters was reported during a match against St Kilda after a heated exchange with Foot following a contentious free kick.
Foot alleged Butters said, “How much are they paying you?”, which he took as a shot at his integrity, while Butters insists he only questioned the decision by saying words to the effect of “surely that’s not a free kick”.
On Tuesday, a tribunal upheld the charge and fined Butters $1500.
Explaining their decision, the tribunal said: “The only issue in dispute was whether Mr Butters spoke the alleged words to umpire Foot.
“The Tribunal is satisfied on the balance of probabilities that he did so. Mr Foot, an experienced AFL umpire who has umpired over 250 games, gave evidence of the circumstances leading up to the relevant comment.”
In the wake of the verdict, Foot shared a screenshot of several abusive messages he had received relating to the Butters saga.
The comments included “Your career is over,” “Incompetent lying mutt,” and “So how much are they paying you?”
Alongside the screenshot, Foot added: “Humans.”
The umpire also shared the AFL Umpires Association statement and said: “Happy Community Umpiring Week.”
Port Adelaide are appealing the tribunal’s decision as they continue to support Butters’ claims.
In a statement, Power said: “The club believes strongly in Butters’ account of events and will formally contest the verdict.”
The Appeals Board hearing will be held later this week at a time TBC.
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.”
