Green’s Dictionary of Slang

a scandal; also attrib.

[1838		Wexford Conservative 31 Jan. 3/2: Two or three individuals [...] kicked up all this ‘splutter’ against the Mayor].
1923		J. Manchon Le Slang.
1975		J. Ryan Remembering How We Stood 72: He, the journalist’s friend, provided free copy, particularly for the ‘splutter’ press.