Banned Scottish football pundit gets creative with car park stunt as 'farcical' situation slammed

Banned Scottish football pundit Michael Stewart made it on to the Premier Sports screens for Saturday’s Scottish Cup semi-final coverage despite being denied access to Hampden.

Stewart has been told that he is no longer welcome at the national stadium due to comments made about officials this season. His words have not been well-received by head of referees Willie Collum and fellow SFA officials, and the former Hearts midfielder was informed earlier this week that he would not be permitted access to the arena.

Premier Sports have decided to stand by Stewart despite the SFA sanction ahead of the game between Dunfermline Athletic and Falkirk, claiming that the governing body have set a “dangerous precedent”, and he took part in the broadcaster’s live coverage from the Hampden car park via video call.

Premier Sports have stood by pundit Michael Stewart. | SNS Group

The clip in our video player above shows the moment Stewart came on to the Premier Sports screens.

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.”

However, the matter took a further twist late on Saturday night when it was revealed that the SFA had also decided to deny Stewart access to the car park for Sunday’s semi between Celtic and St Mirren.

A statement from Premier Sports read: “Following today’s Scottish Cup semi-final, where Michael Stewart was unable to broadcast from inside Hampden and instead contributed from our production truck, we have now been informed by the SFA that he is also banned from the stadium car park.

“This further escalation is deeply disappointing and has left Premier Sports, the SFA’s broadcast partner, scrambling to find solutions for our exclusive coverage of Celtic v St Mirren tomorrow.

“We also wish to reiterate our full support for Michael Stewart as a valued member of our team, and we will continue to seek alternative ways to ensure he can remain involved in our coverage of matches from Hampden.”

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