Celtic’s Hampden semi-final should have been straightforward, but Michael Stewart’s ongoing SFA ban dragged the focus elsewhere before kick-off.
Michael Stewart’s absence from coverage was noticeable from the outset. The issue was never why he had been sanctioned, it was how far the restrictions had now gone.
And as the game was building up for kick-off, Premier Sports sent a message to the SFA during their live broadcast to condemn the SFA ban.
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Celtic semi-final overshadowed by escalating Hampden decisions
The situation stems from Stewart being banned from Hampden after criticising referees during the domestic season. The governing body determined his criticism crossed into questioning referees’ integrity, setting the initial action in motion.
That ban did not immediately remove him from coverage, with Stewart working away from Hampden to continue his role. It was an unusual workaround, but one that allowed broadcasts to continue without major disruption.
That position has now changed. Stewart was then banned from the stadium car park, removing even that option and forcing a complete rethink for broadcasters.
The escalation has had a direct impact on Celtic’s meeting with St Mirren, with Stewart not part of coverage today. What began as a response to criticism has now moved into territory that affects how a major fixture is presented.
Celtic build-up derailed as SFA and broadcasters clash
The response from Premier Sports underlines how far the situation has moved. The broadcaster described the decision as a direct attempt to censor one of its pundits, marking a clear escalation beyond a standard disciplinary matter.
Emma Dodds confirmed the situation on air: “He has now been banned from the footprint of Hampden. It was our intention to have him with us here as part of our show today but that is not possible.
“Here is a statement on behalf of Premier Sports: ‘The SFA have written to Premier Sports to say that Michael is not welcome in the broadcast truck situated in the car park at Hampden. Premier Sports see this as a direct attempt to censor one of the valued members of our team.
“As a broadcast partner of the SFA, we are very disappointed with this position. Michael won’t be a part of our coverage today but we will welcome him back soon.’”
Stewart has already made his position clear, insisting pundits should be free to express an opinion without losing access to their workplace. That stance now sits at the centre of a growing dispute.
What should have been a straightforward semi-final build-up has been disrupted, with attention shifting away from the football itself and onto the handling of Stewart’s case.
Celtic remain the focal point of the occasion after their big win, but the handling of this situation has ensured they are no longer the only story.
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