Port Adelaide’s standout player, Zak Butters, has been summoned directly to the AFL Tribunal following an incident where he allegedly questioned field umpire Nick Foot by asking, “How much are they paying you?”

Butters faces a charge of using “abusive and insulting language towards an umpire” during a match against St Kilda on Sunday evening.

The AFL confirmed that this particular exchange was not captured by the umpire’s microphone system.

Following the match, the 25-year-old defended his comments, asserting, “I know what I said, and it wasn’t inappropriate.”

Butters explained to Channel 7, “I approached him [Foot] after the game, hoping for a civil conversation, but he declined to engage.” He added, “All I inquired was, ‘How is that a free kick?’ He responded by awarding a 50-meter penalty and placing me on report. I’m eager to clarify this matter, as I would never intentionally disrespect an umpire.”

Port Adelaide is set to appear before the tribunal on Tuesday, with Butters continuing to assert his innocence regarding the allegations.