Zak Butters Legal Tribunal

Port Adelaide AFL star, Zak Butters has found himself in hot water after an on pitch incident with umpire Nick Foot after being accused of using “abusive and insulting language” follow this article to explore the different accounts of the incident and how the outcome has affected the AFL.

(Image credit to CODE Sports)

During a Round 5 loss to Saint Kilda, umpire Nick Foot alleged that Butters asked him “how much are they paying you?” after a free kick was awarded to the St. Kilda side. Foot described the incident as “abusive and insulting”. Butters strongly disagreed with this allegation, saying himself that he stated “surely that’s not a free kick.” 

The umpire’s microphone happened to not be recording at the time, leaving the case as a battle of “he said/he said” between Foot and Butters.

On April 14th, the AFL Tribunal sided with umpire Nick Foote, finding Zak Butters guilty and imposing him with a $1,500 fine, despite a testimony from Butters’ teammate Ollie Wines that supported Butters’ account of the event.

Just 6 days later, on the 20th of April, the AFL Appeal Board revoked the conviction, however Port Adelaide were not satisfied as their appeal was more focused on an “error of law” than the fine itself. During further investigation, it was revealed that a member of the panel, former Essendon midfielder, Jason Johnson had disconnected from the hearing but continued to listen from his mobile phone whilst he was driving, which the board classed as “a miscarriage of justice” due to the fact that Johnson was unable to give his full attention to the hearing and make a decision whilst fully informed of the case at hand.

After this incident, the AFL made the decision to not hold a re-hearing and instead revoked Butters’ fine and considered him cleared. They issued official apologies to Zak Butters, Nick Foot and the Port Adelaide Club for the "inconvenience caused.”

Now that the Butters/Foot case is officially over, it may seem that the issue is resolved, however this incident has raised many questions throughout the league, amongst players, coaches, clubs and fans about the importance of the procedures taken around similar issues and many people are unhappy with how lightly these issues are treated, many are looking for answers and accountability from the league but it seems that no further statements will be made.

Article Written by Milla Sinfield © Milla Sinfield 2026