Vidmar blasted the city as a 'pissant' town and hinted at an internal conspiracy which was dragging the team down and derailing their Championship campaign.

It came after the 4-0 thrashing by Melbourne Victory in scenes reminiscent of the 6-0 grand final hammering they suffered two years which cost skipper Ross Aloisi and coach John Kosmina their places at the club.

Vidmar apologised later for the outburst but the FFA announced on Monday they were investigating a breach of the league's code of conduct.

Today, after hearing submissions from Vidmar, the FFA fined him $2,000 but suspended the penalty until round nine of next season. If Vidmar doesn't transgress the code again until then, he will escape without paying after his apology and public regret for his outburst.

United player Cassio was less lucky - he was fined $500 for his arm-pumping gesture after he was dismissed in the weekend's match.

An official statement read: "Football Federation Australia (FFA) has considered the submissions from the Head Coach of Adelaide United, Aurelio Vidmar, and Adelaide United player, Cassio Oliveira, in response to allegations that they had breached the FFA National Code of Conduct (Code).

"Aurelio Vidmar was found guilty by FFA of breaching the Code for his conduct at the post-match press conference following the game between Melbourne Victory and Adelaide United last Saturday.

"The sanction is a fine of $2,000 which is wholly suspended until and including Round 9 of the 2009-2010 Hyundai A-League Season. If Vidmar breaches the Code during this period the fine will become payable.

"The basis for the suspension of the fine is Vidmar's previously exemplary behaviour, his genuine contrition, and the steps he has taken to apologise for his conduct. "

It added: "Cassio was found guilty by FFA of breaching the National Code of Conduct for his gesture when leaving the field after being dismissed after a second yellow card offence in the same match. The sanction is a fine of $500."