'I've been banished to the car park' - Former Hearts and Hibs man forced to get creative to cover Scottish Cup
The Scotland international is watching on from an unusual location following his Hampden ban
Michael Stewart has found his way onto our screens despite his recently imposed ban from Hampden, as the former Hearts and Hibs midfielder is following the Scottish Cup semi-final between Falkirk and Dunfermline Athletic ‘from the car park’.
The 45-year old, who works as a pundit for Premier Sports, was banned from the national stadium for the fixture during the week by the SFA for ‘questioning the integrity of the association.’ They are also not satisfied with his recent conduct while questioning head of refereeing Willie Collum, as well as match officials throughout the season.
Despite the ban, Premier Sports have chosen to stand by Stewart, claiming the SFA sanction set ‘a dangerous precedent’. In turn, Stewart played a part in their live coverage of the fixture without setting foot in the stadium as he comically chimed in on a video call from the Hampden car park.
Stewart finds loophole in SFA ruling
In a hilarious unveiling from a television truck outside the ground, where Stewart hid under a jacket before revealing himself to the cameras, he jokingly claimed the atmosphere was a bit different to the intense Scottish Cup semi-final derby.
Stewart told presenter Emma Dodds: "I've been banished to the car park here! Which is not quite as salubrious as inside the stadium. But I am very grateful for the support that from you guys, the broadcasters and many people who have got in touch with me. It genuinely means a lot. It's a bit of a farcical situation that a supposed association have got themselves into here. But I am looking forward to watching what should be a cracking game this afternoon.”
The outspoken pundit has never been afraid to speak his mind and has ran into trouble with Scottish football’s governing body before. Stewart was forced into an SFA apology in November after a claim that they tried to ‘cover up’ a VAR decision that occurred during Hibs’ win at St Mirren.
Premier Sports stand by their man
Despite this, Stewart’s employers believe that the punishment doesn’t fit the crime in terms of his ban and claimed it is his job to express his beliefs. Their statement read: “Premier Sports are extremely disappointed with the SFA’s decision to ban a valued member of our team from covering matches inside Hampden. We believe this is setting a dangerous precedent and do not see any merit in attempting to control who is allowed to comment on our national game at the national stadium. We fully support Michael’s right to air his opinions on important issues relating to football and we will continue to give him as many opportunities as possible to do so.”
This echoed Stewart’s original reaction to the ban, claiming he should have the right to ‘express an opinion’. He said: “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. But all football commentators should be free to express an opinion, without being denied access to the places we go to do our jobs.”