Michael Stewart has been banned from working as a pundit at Hampden Park.
The decision, made by SFA Chief Executive Ian Maxwell, is reportedly in response to comments about Scottish referees.
Stewart certainly isn’t known as the most glass-half-full of pundits, and this isn’t his first controversy involving referees – he was forced to apologise after saying they had tried to “cover up” a VAR decision in a match between St Mirren and Hibs.
And despite usually being ever-present on Premier Sports’ coverage, the 45-year-old won’t be working on Celtic’s Scottish Cup semi-final against St Mirren this weekend.
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In response to the news, Stewart told the Scottish Sun: “Instead of trying to silence voices of dissent, the Scottish FA should be engaging with us, answering our questions and explaining their position.
“People have every right to disagree with me – and many of them do every day.
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“But all football commentators should be free to express an opinion, without being denied access to the places we go to do our jobs.”
In the past, we have seen pundits banned by certain football clubs, such as Chris Sutton at Ibrox and Kris Boyd at Dens Park.
But for Scotland’s national stadium to ban one of the most prominent pundits in the country certainly seems like a drastic measure.
Like any pundit, Stewart has his critics, and some will probably be happy to hear this news, regardless of context.
Match officials had reportedly complained to the SFA and Premier Sports via the Scottish Senior Football Referees’ Association.
The ban was reportedly initiated before Scotland’s friendly against Japan last month, with Stewart and his employers being made aware of the decision at the same time.
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The Hoops’ semi-final will be shown exclusively on Premier Sports, whilst Saturday’s clash between Dunfermline and Falkirk will also be shown on BBC Scotland. Stewart is employed by both.
Stewart played for Rangers as a youth player and started his senior career at Manchester United under Sir Alex Ferguson.
However, he is best-known for his time playing for Hibs and Hearts. As a pundit, he has been critical of the Celtic board.
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