Vidmar cops suspended fine for outburst

Adelaide United coach Aurelio Vidmar has escaped serious penalty from A-League
authorities for his now-infamous post-match rant in which he slammed his club.
Vidmar has been given a suspended fine of $2,000 for breaching soccer's national
code of conduct, and will only have to pay it if he breaches the code again before
or during round nine of next season.
In his post-match media conference following his side's dismal 4-0 major semi-final
second leg loss to Melbourne Victory last weekend, Vidmar blamed "politics" for the
defeat and labelled Adelaide "a pissant town" in reference to elements he accused of
trying to undermine the club.
But Vidmar's previous good record and the fact his outburst was out of character for
a coach noted for his cool demeanour were taken into account in determining his
penalty, Football Federation Australia said.
"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," the FFA said in a statement.
Vidmar had been named A-League coach of the year just a fortnight earlier.
Adelaide United bosses had forgiven Vidmar for his outburst already, saying on
Sunday he had their unconditional support, allowing him to keep his job.
Vidmar had also previously apologised to the people of Adelaide for any offence his
remarks may have caused.
The Reds say now the FFA has delivered its verdict, they believe they can put the
embarrassment behind them and regroup to get past Queensland Roar in their
preliminary final in Adelaide on Saturday night.
"I think it has brought us closer together so that is a dangerous thing for the
opposition," midfielder Lucas Pantelis said.
"It has been a tough week but that's all in the past and we're focusing on
Saturday's game.
"The most important thing is that the players believe we can do it."
The preliminary final winners will play Melbourne in the grand final at Telstra Dome
on February 28.
Meanwhile, Adelaide United's Brazilian midfielder Cassio has been fined $500 for
making a rude gesture following his send-off in the major semi-final.
He will still miss the preliminary final because of the automatic one-match ban he
received for his send-off, but would be available for the grand final if the Reds
qualify.