The SFA imposed the ban on Stewart, a regular commentator for Premier Sports, for what it described as a sustained campaign against match officials that questioned their integrity, according to multiple reports. Stewart was scheduled to work on the Scottish Cup semi-final but was told the car park was part of the stadium footprint and therefore off-limits, preventing him from covering the Celtic vs St Mirren game. He instead provided commentary from a production van in the car park.
Stewart accused the SFA of setting a dangerous precedent by banning him for his opinions, according to Daily Mail - Sport. He claimed there is a false narrative that there have been over a year of complaints about his commentary, and said the SFA did not discuss the issue with Premier Sports before the ban. Stewart stated the SFA sent an email to Premier Sports saying they had not followed what was asked and that he was banned from the car park. He described the fallout as petty and pathetic, and said he and Premier Sports have asked for six months for better communication.
The SSFRA notes the action taken by the SFA in respect of Michael Stewart. While this is ultimately a matter for the SFA, we are aligned in the view that his commentary this season has, at times, extended well beyond fair
The Scottish Senior Football Referees' Association backed the SFA's action, stating that Stewart's commentary this season has at times extended well beyond fair. The duration of the ban and whether Stewart or Premier Sports will take legal action remain unclear.