Victory failed to defend their Cup title and, when a defiant Muscat faced the media post-match, he accused the whistle-blower of applying “two sets of rules”.

In handing down the fine, Football Federation Australia said there was no place for comments attacking the integrity of match officials.

Muscat was particularly scathing of referee Shaun Evans’ decision to overrule the linesman’s call on Luke Brattan’s goal in Victory’s 2-0 semi-final loss.

Tim Cahill, in an offside position, ducked as the ball was in flight with the linesman originally ruling him to be interfering with the goalkeeper's line of vision.

Muscat slams 'two sets of rules'

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“It was just a little bit of accountability rather than a hiding,” Muscat said post-match. “It’s just blatant and if it’s missed then that’s fine, but don’t try and cover it up and insult people’s intelligence.

In a statement issued on Friday the FFA said the sanction took into account that Muscat accepted responsibility for his comments and agreed his choice of words and inferences could have been better.

A-league box Greg O’Rourke said: “It is important that all players and coaches consider their words carefully when offering their thoughts on matches.

“It is perfectly acceptable to suggest you don’t agree with a decision, just as acceptable to suggest you believe the referee got it wrong but not acceptable to question the referee’s integrity.

“The Hyundai A-League expects a high level of respect from its coaches towards match officials and in doing so to set the right example across the broader Football community.”

Muscat has been given seven business days to appeal the ruling.