Melbourne, Dec 27 (IANS) Australian captain Ricky Ponting was fined 40 percent of his match fees and earned a rebuke from match referee Ranjan Madugalle for arguing with umpire Aleem Dar after Kevin Pietersen correctly survived a caught-behind referral in the fourth Ashes Test here Monday.

Dar and Tony Hill reviewed the footage at the close of play before filing a report and Ponting pleaded guilty to a Level 1 offence under article 2.1.3 (h) of the code of conduct, which relates to "arguing or entering into a prolonged discussion with the umpire about his decision."

"Ricky's actions as captain of his country were unacceptable. A captain is expected to set the example and not get involved in a prolonged discussion with the on-field umpires and question their decision. While pleading guilty to the charge, Ricky understood that the discussion went far too long. He apologised for his action and stated that he has nothing but respect for the umpires and his on-field actions were not intended to show disrespect to Aleem Dar or Tony Hill," said Madugalle in a statement.

Pointing was involved in an angry discussions with Aleem Dar, early in the second session, after Pietersen was not given out following a referral.

Replays and hotspot graphics didn't show any inside edge from Pietersen's push off Ryan Harris. But Ponting was convinced there had been a mistake. Siddle also joined the protest to Dar by pointing at the video screen in the stands.

Cricket Australia chief James Sutherland was reluctant to comment on the Ponting incident.

"At this stage, I wouldn't be saying whether it's good for the game, that sort of stuff - that's appearances, let's see what the actual substance was as well," he said.