While the Saints’ bask in their glory, let’s head back to an interesting incident earlier in the game, involving Zak Butters and an umpire.
During the fiery third quarter, Mitch Owens was given a free kick after a Port player was pinged for holding a St Kilda player’s jumper. Owens was then granted another 50m after an exchange between Zak Butters and an umpire.
Audio from Fox Footy’s broadcast shows an umpire telling Butters he will be reported for using abusive language.
In a post-match interview with Channel 7, Butters denied using “bad language” or swear words and said he did not say anything wrong.
Butters said he tried to approach the umpire after the game and the umpire refused to speak to him.
“All I said, is ‘how is that a free kick’, and he [the umpire] gave 50 and said I’m on report,” Butters said.
“So I had a few teammates there next to me... I’m curious to follow that one up because I’m never gonna say anything bad to the umpire.”
“Obviously, a bit frustrated because it leads to a goal, I think I’m a pretty honest bloke out there and have a good relationship with most umpires, I’m sure the club will deal with that,” he continued.
When asked if he thought he’d have a good case to fight against a potential charge, Butters confirmed he’d “fight for the hills”.
“I know what I said and I know I didn’t say anything bad.”