Port Adelaide gun Zak Butters was reported for abusive language towards an umpire during Sunday's loss to St Kilda.

Butters was penalised 50 metres as Mitch Owens was lining up for goal during the third term, which ultimately led to a major for the visitors.

The Power free agent spoke after the game, saying he is "curious" as to what field umpire Nick Foot heard him say that constituted a reportable offence.

"I'd fight for the hills," Butters said following the match.

"I know what I said and I know I didn't say anything bad. I'd love to know the language that I said cause I went up to him after the game to have a chat, like two humans do, and he said he didn't want to speak to me.

"All I said was, 'how was that a free kick' and he paid 50 and said I'm on report. I had a few teammates right there next to me, like Ollie Wines. So, I'm curious to follow that one up.

"Because I'd never say anything bad to the umpires. Genuinely no swear words, no any bad language, which is why I was curious. I'm a pretty honest bloke out there and have a good relationship with most umpires, so I'm sure the club will deal with that."

Butters, along with teammate Ollie Wines, looked visibly confused by the situation, and vision showed they were trying to talk to Foot during the time of the incident.

Initially, onlookers thought Wines was reported for abusive language.

The Match Review Officer (MRO) will release his findings Monday afternoon.

If Butters is found guilty of umpire abuse, there have been three instances that can be used for reference to help assist with what his penalty could look like.

Last year, Liam Ryan was fined $1500 for verbally abusing an umpire; Former Carlton and Collingwood player Dale Thomas was sanctioned $7500 in 2019 for calling a boundary umpire a cheat.

That same year, Sydney defender Dane Rampe was fined $5000 ($5000 suspended) for telling field umpire Jacob Mollison that he "talk(ed) like a little girl".

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