I don't have an agenda, I'm being honest says Michael Stewart

Michael Stewart (left) had more to say on his spat with Craig Levein. Picture: SNS/Ross Parker

The former Hearts midfielder reaffirmed his assertion that he does not have an agenda against Craig Levein.

Appearing on BBC’s Off the Ball, Stewart said he is simply telling it as he sees it.

He said: “I don’t have a problem. If I was a lone wolf in regards to criticism of what’s going on at Hearts perhaps you could suggest something was personal.

“I think quite clearly there is a lot of other people who share the view. It is very easy and convenient to try to dismiss criticism and divert. Things are not great, things are not going particularly well.”

Levein was sent to the stands during Hearts 1-1 draw with Hamilton Academical at Tynecastle Park, in a game which was delayed due to two fire alarms at the stadium.

Jamie Brandon was sent off for the capital side in the first half, while assistant manager Austin MacPhee was also sent to the stand.

Stewart noted on the show that it is not the first time he has received complaints from clubs and managers.

“Hearts complained when I was critical of Gary Locke and Billy Brown,” he said. “Hibs complained when I was critical of Pat Fenlon. Ally McCoist [then Rangers manager] complained when I was critical of him. It is not personal about all these people, I am just saying what I think is going on at that time.

“At the moment it is not about if I am a Hearts fan or not. I’m paid to be a pundit and say what I think about what is going on, not just at Hearts, at all the clubs. I like to think I put across my opinion. Everybody’s not going to agree with it but I try to back it up with ‘this is why I think that’.

“I have been open and honest about my personal feelings about the Hearts manager. If I had an agenda I would think that I would try to hide that and be delving into the dark arts. I’m not, I’m just being honest. But if anyone disagrees with my personal assessment of what’s going on, fair enough, come forward and look at what I said and tell me what’s wrong but at the moment I don’t see that, all I see is diversion.”