The Central Highlands Football League independent tribunal last night ruled the Robertson would be required to umpire two under-15 matches, in addition to fining the non-playing coach $500.

In issuing the penalty the tribunal said it would be difficult to enforce a suspension on a senior coach but insisted it was necessary to provide an appropriate penalty.

"We wanted to set a benchmark that, if you are abusive towards an umpire there will be a penalty. There has to be some penalty for the person and the club," the tribunal ruled.

"It was in some ways even more important, though, to have a penalty that would take (Robertson) away from what he would have done on the day, into a highly visible situation where he would respect the umpire's role."

Robertson said he was relieved he did not receive a suspension from the tribunal and admitted he used inappropriate language towards the umpire.

"There was a swear word I should not have used so I apologised for that," Robertson said.

"The comment, though, was directed at the decision, not the umpire himself."