Port Adelaide midfielder Zak Butters has been ordered to face the AFL Tribunal for alleged abusive language toward an umpire after the Gather Round loss to St Kilda at Adelaide Oval.

Butters was reported for abusive language following a clash with St Kilda, which also resulted in a 50-metre penalty for Port Adelaide.

The league disclosed the wording of the alleged insult toward umpire Nick Foot, prompting the tribunal appearance.

Butters maintains his innocence and says his reputation and relationships with umpires are solid, with corroboration from teammate Ollie Wines.

The story is part of ongoing coverage dated April 13, 2026, with updates indicating continued discussion of the incident.

There’s debate over whether the umpire’s handling of post-match interactions would differ with other captains, and calls for timely AFL clarification.

Channel 7 notes that isolated umpire audio shows only what was broadcast, offering no additional clarification.

The excerpt centers on Butters’ defense and the alleged abusive language claim within the match context.

Butters has provided his account, saying he asked, “How is that a free kick?” and sought to understand what he allegedly said.

The incident happened in a high-tension game and was not captured by the umpire’s microphone, leading to tribunal proceedings.

Port Adelaide aims to keep Butters available for upcoming fixtures against Hawthorn, Geelong, and Adelaide in a pivotal stretch.

Umpire Nick Foot reportedly told Butters, “I’m reporting you,” during the incident, with audio later scrutinized.