'Dismissively refused': Port criticise umpire

Port Adelaide have criticised umpire Nick Foot ahead of a controversial AFL tribunal case involving their acting captain Zak Butters.

The Power said they will defend Butters "in the strongest possible way" after he was accused of abusive and insulting language towards Foot.

Butters was referred directly to the tribunal and the charge will be heard on Tuesday.

It follows a heated incident during Port''s loss to St Kilda on Sunday night at Adelaide Oval.

St Kilda's Mitch Owens was given a free kick for a ruck infringement. Port's Ollie Wines took issue with the decision, as did Butters, who was penalised 50m and reported for abusive language by Foot as Owens goaled from close range.

The AFL said the exchange between Butters, a two-time All-Australian midfielder, and Foot, who officiated in the 2024 grand final, was not picked up by the umpire's microphone.

The allegation is that Butters asked Foot "how much are they paying you?".

Butters said he tried to speak to Foot immediately after the game, but the umpire did not want to talk to him.

Port released a statement after Butters was referred to the tribunal, strongly defending Butters and also criticising Foot.

"Port Adelaide will defend in the strongest possible way the allegations made by AFL umpire Nick Foot against Butters," the club said.

"Port Adelaide believes the words used by Butters were misheard and misconstrued from what was actually said.

"Butters is unambiguously adamant on what was said and the club strongly supports him and his position.

"Port Adelaide is also disappointed that umpire Foot dismissively refused Butters' attempt to seek clarification post-game, as captain of the club."

The club added Wines will provide a witness statement in support of Butters. Without the audio, the hearing will come down to the testimony of Foot and Butters, plus any witnesses.

It's understood that Butters was unaware that Foot works for Sportsbet and does racing tips, a role approved by the AFL.

If found guilty, Butters will be fined rather than suspended.