Premier Sports accuse SFA of 'direct attempt' to deploy censorship as Michael Stewart's Hampden ban escalates

Stewart was forced to provide coverage of Saturday’s Scottish Cup semi-final between Dunfermline Athletic and Falkirk from a production truck in the car park after being banned from the national stadium in Mount Florida over outspoken comments on referees. Premier Sports opted to stand by the former Hearts and Hibs midfielder but the SFA have extended the ban to the ‘footprint of Hampden.’

It meant that the pundit was not present for coverage of the second semi-final between St Mirren and Celtic, with the winner to meet Dunfermline, after Neil Lennon’s side defeated Falkirk on penalties. Coverage featured ex-Celtic defender Charlie Mulgrew, Lennon and Dundee United boss Jim Goodwin. Host Emma Dodds confirmed the extension, saying: "He (Stewart) 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.

Why has Michael Stewart been banned from Hampden?

"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 our valued team.

"As a broadcast partner of the SFA, we are very disappointed by the decision. Michael won't be a part of our coverage today but we will welcome him back soon."

That was not the last time it was mentioned in the broadcaster’s coverage. An image of a fan with a banner that read ‘Free Mikey’ was spotted as Dodds said: “Michael Stewart is not with us today but the fans have got his back. The St Mirren fans here, ‘free Mikey,’ if you are watching. We are all thinking of you, Michael.”

Michael Stewart on being banned by the SFA

Mulgrew was seeing the light-hearted side of it and the ex-Celtic defender said: “I can’t believe he’s paid someone to put a sign up for him at Hampden, that’s madness!’ Talk of Stewart continued into the early stages of commentary as lead commentator Rory Hamilton said: “If you haven’t seen the news, my usual partner on the gantry in Michael Stewart is not here at the national stadium, having been banned by the SFA. We hope to welcome him back soon but alongside me are former Scotland international and the man who awaits the winner of this contest, (Dunfermline manager) Neil Lennon.”

Stewart also works for BBC Sport Scotland while Premier’s next match is the Dundee derby on April 26th. He is also a regular on their Social Club show, and commenting on the situation during Saturday’s first Scottish Cup final, Stewart said: "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.”

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