BBC and Premier Sports pundit, Michael Stewart, has been banned from Scotland’s national stadium.
The SFA believe his criticism has crossed from opinion into a sustained campaign against referees. They argue he has been questioning their integrity.
Stewart’s Reaction to the Ban
Stewart has pushed back strongly against the SFA’s decision.
“Instead of trying to silence voices of dissent, the Scottish FA should be engaging with us, answering our questions and explaining their position,” he said.
Stewart added, “People have every right to disagree with me – and many of them do every day.”
He also stated, “But all football commentators should be free to express an opinion, without being denied access to the places we go to do our jobs.”
The SFA’s Position
The BBC has contacted the SFA for comment, but it’s staying quiet about the ban.
It is understood the decision followed complaints from the union representing referees, who have made it clear they have had enough of Stewart’s commentary.
Wider Context of Bans
The issuing of bans to pundits and journalists is nothing new.
Football clubs were banning journalists long before broadcasting, never mind VAR.
For clubs in particular, withdrawing access can be a tool used in frustration, but it can also be a way of attempting to control the narrative.
“The reality is that a lot of football clubs would rather people knew nothing at all about their business,” said football writer, Stephen McGowan.
McGowan added, “Many of the people who take that view, tend to think there’s nothing to be gained by sharing information with journalists because they think mainstream media is out to get them.”
“But when you create an information vacuum, the media will do what they can to fill it, and that’s when you tend to see bans doled out by clubs who just don’t like critical reporting and opinion.”
In recent years, clubs and governing bodies seem less likely to tolerate opinion from those they see as being paid to report facts.
The Michael Stewart situation shows broadcasting is affected.