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Full Noise by SN
Important update on 1476AMGuilty verdict u-turn? Tribunal conduct under fire in Butters saga
Sam Edmund • April 15th, 2026 7:06 pm
The Zak Butters umpire saga has taken another twist, with concerns the conduct of panellist Jason Johnson didn’t meet the standards of a properly constituted tribunal hearing.
Johnson’s disappearing act and subsequent time spent driving have raised questions around an irregularity in the tribunal process that sources said could yet force the case to be thrown out.
Port Adelaide have yet to announce any plans to appeal the tribunal verdict that saw Butters found guilty of abusing umpire Nick Foot and fined $1500.
After finally releasing the reasoning for its decision on Wednesday afternoon, the tribunal said it was “satisfied on the balance of probabilities” that Butters had asked Foot, “How much are they paying you?” after the umpire paid a free kick against Power ruckman Jordon Sweet.
“It is implausible that Mr Foot would invent the offending comment. It is implausible that Mr Foot misheard the words ‘Surely that’s not a free kick’ as ‘How much are they paying you?’” the tribunal stated.
But it’s the conduct of tribunal member Johnson that has raised questions around proper process and a fair hearing.
About two-thirds of the way through the hearing, Johnson’s camera switched off. Moments later he disconnected completely, causing the hearing to be stopped for some 7-8 minutes.
When Johnson returned, it was via his phone with his camera off.
But not long after the hearing regained speed, Johnson’s phone camera suddenly turned on, showing the panel member driving.
While Johnson sat behind the wheel, the AFL was making a visual submission as further details were presented.
It is unclear exactly how long Johnson was driving for because his camera turned back off again after about five minutes.
But it is estimated that he was away from his computer for the last half an hour of the hearing, which also included final submissions from the league and Power’s legal representatives.
It is also unclear why a panel who could hear the entire case was not assembled.
Tribunal chair Renee Enbom KC said early in the hearing that she and her fellow panelists – Johnson and fellow former player Darren Gaspar – had until 5.45pm to reach their verdict, meaning the explanation of their verdict had to wait nearly 24 hours.
The AFL today spoke to Johnson today, who acknowledged his conduct was not ideal and vowed it would not happen again.
The league is comfortable Johnson didn’t miss any evidence or that his movements didn’t compromise the hearing.
The Power could also not be reached for comment. The club has until lunchtime tomorrow to decide whether to appeal.
