Sportsbet parts ways with AFL umpire Nick Foot
A leading sports betting company has parted ways with the AFL referee at the center of the Zak Butters court saga.
Sportsbet confirmed on Monday that grand final referee Nick Foot, who reported Butters for abusive or insulting language towards the referee during Port Adelaide’s Gather Round defeat against St Kilda at Adelaide Oval, was no longer one of its employees.
Foot was working as a horse racing analyst for the bookmaker.
Foot told 7News that he “is a proud person of horse racing and officiating and continues to share a passion for both.”
“It is a privilege to play a small role in the AFL and I look forward to continuing to serve the game with professionalism in my role for years to come.”
When asked for comment by this imprint, the AFL referred all questions to Sportsbet.
The AFL backed Foot last Monday when league football operations chief Greg Swann was asked about the referee working away.
At a headline-making court hearing last month, Foot told the court Butters asked: “How much do they (St Kilda) pay you?” he said. After the Saints were awarded a free kick late in a close game.
Butters denied the comment, as did teammate Ollie Wines, who was called as a witness, but the star midfielder was found guilty by the court and had to pay a $1,500 fine. But Power took the case to the league’s appeals board, which was later overturned on a legal technicality.
Appeal panel rules ‘miscarriage of justice’ over tribunal member Jason Johnson’s behavior. Panel member Johnson went for an open review during the hearing, which the panel deemed an “error of law.”
Foot has featured in 272 AFL matches, including the 2024 grand final.
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Jon Pierik is a sports reporter for The Age. He covers the AFL and has won awards for his cricket and basketball writing.Connect with: X or email.
