Michael Stewart banned from Hampden as former Hearts and Hibs star in SFA punishment amid referee 'complaints'
The former Hearts and Hibs midfielder has been notified by the Scottish FA.
Former Hearts and Hibs midfielder Michael Stewart has been banned from Hampden by the Scottish FA, amid strong criticisms of refereeing in Scotland.
The outspoken pundit has not held back in his verdicts over certain controversies this term. 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. In October, unhappiness emerged from his criticism of a VAR decision in Falkirk‘s home win over Dundee.
Apologies from Stewart last year were accepted, but he has not let up since, with SFA chiefs claimed to be fed up. The ex-Hearts and Hibs man, BBC and Premier Sports have all been notified of the decision, after Stewart was ordered to keep his distance from the Scotland national team’s latest clash at Hampden against Japan last month.
Michael Stewart on being banned by the SFA
He will not work from Hampden at this weekend’s Scottish Cup semi-final clashes, with Falkirk against Dunfermline Athletic taking place on Saturday, and Celtic meet St Mirren the next day. Quoted in the Scottish Sun, Stewart 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.”
It’s stated in the copy: “SFA chief executive Ian Maxwell is thought to have informed him he won’t be welcomed back any time soon. It’s understood the association are fed up with what they believe has been a sustained and concerted effort from Stewart to question their integrity.
Why have SFA banned Michael Stewart from Hampden?
“They are also unhappy at his treatment of head of refereeing Willie Collum and match officials during his work for Premier Sports. Refs and assistants are believed to have made their complaints known to the SFA and Premier Sports via the Scottish Senior Football Referees’ Association.”
Last weekend, Stewart criticised decision making in Hibs’ defeat to Aberdeen. Referee David Dickenson missed Grant Hanley’s foul on Aberdeen forward Toyosi Olusanya in real time and VAR was relied upon to dish out a red card and penalty. Emmanuel Gyamfi was also accused of a forearm blow on Hibs attacker Owen Elding, but after consulting the monitor, Dickenson insisted it was only a yellow. Stewart did, however, backed the officiating team’s decision to award Hearts a penalty kick after Jambos forward Pierre Landry Kabore was kicked by defender Stephen Welsh in the head during their 3-1 win over Motherwell.
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