Michael Stewart v SFA puts boxing and action on pitch in shade - and more rounds could come

In the blue corner, the Scottish Football Association. In the red corner, Mr Michael Stewart.

Scottish football’s governing body decided to ban Stewart from Hampden for both Scottish Cup semi-finals for repeated criticism of referees and officials. It meant that the pundit was unable to fully carry out his duties for the Dunfermline Athletic v Falkirk and Celtic v St Mirren last-four ties from inside the national stadium.

A mainstay for Premier Sports, the broadcaster has fully backed their man. On Saturday, Stewart circumnavigated the sanction by chipping into coverage from a truck inside the Hampden car park. The SFA delivered another gut punch by telling Premier Sports that Stewart would not be welcome anywhere on the premises.

Stewart wasn’t involved in Sunday’s coverage of Celtic v St Mirren, but Premier Sports vowed to keep swinging for him.

The next development on Monday included a statement from the Senior Scottish Football Referees’ Association. They are fully behind the SFA’s decision, claiming some of Stewart’s remarks “have extended well beyond fair and legitimate criticism”.

What next? Well, Stewart is often part of Premier Sports’ Social Club show and he will no doubt have something to say on the matter when it next airs. But which party is in the right?

Stewart is one of Scottish football’s most outspoken pundits. He is not afraid to go in where it hurts. He has carved out a media career of being honest and forthright with his opinions. He has rubbed up people the wrong way in the past, perhaps most notably his former Hearts manager Craig Levein.

You could also look back at incidents with former Rangers media chief Jim Traynor, fellow pundit Chris Sutton and BBC journalist Tom English, who Stewart can have heated debates with. Stewart often delivers valid points, but his style can be confrontational.

Refereeing has been in the spotlight a lot this season. There have been many contentious decisions and VAR continues to dominate the narrative. Willie Collum, who heads up officialdom in Scottish football, and his team have been put under the microscope so much.

There have been some incorrect calls, of that there is no doubt. There have been grey areas in some incidents. And at times VAR has ridden to the rescue, as it should. Maybe the most damning observation about our referees is that none were picked earlier this month for the World Cup.

Criticism is part of football. It is best to be constructive and fair with it and the SFA believe Stewart has crossed the line this term. In a game all about opinions, that is theirs. They have decided to act, to draw a line in the sand. They feel the integrity of its staff is being questioned. Stewart and Premier Sports disagree. This is set to rumble on.

It is regrettable that Scottish Cup semi-final weekend was shared with this row. It should be all about the action on the pitch for these two ties, the players and the coaches involved. Surely the blazers at Hampden would have wanted another topic of conversation.

Is banning Stewart the answer? The SFA is within their rights to back its staff but making such a high-profile move is unlikely to stop the fierce scrutiny given to our national sport. Too many people care. And with that brings disagreement, so often in a heated, emotional environment. And it is hard to see Stewart backing down.

Premier Sports are due back at Hampden on May 23 for the Scottish Cup final. More rounds feel inevitable. Perhaps there will be a rematch. Another storyline to Scottish football’s rich and colourful tapestry.