Credit: Imago, BBC Sportscene

Evan Lloyd

Sun 17 May 2026 9:12, UK

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Michael Stewart has expressed his frustration with the events that led to Celtic beating Hearts to the Scottish Premiership title on Saturday.

The champions beat the challengers 3-1 at Celtic Park, with goals from Arne Engels, Daizen Maeda and Callum Osmand cancelling out Lawrence Shankland’s opener.

Controversy has shrouded the race in recent days, with Saturday’s title decider ended early by a pitch invasion, resulting in several reported incidents between Hearts players and Celtic fans.

But Wednesday was the boiling point, with Martin O’Neil’s team awarded a hugely controversial 99th-minute penalty by VAR to beat Motherwell 3-2.

Celtic’s victory fuelled outrage and conspiracy, with referee John Beaton placed under police protection in light of the reception to the momentous decision.

Michael Stewart takes social media action

Former PGMOL chief Keith Hackett exclusively told Football Insider last month that the SFA’s decision to ban Stewart from Hampden Park was wrong.

The former Hearts midfielder was informed in March that he was not welcome at Scotland’s national stadium following his criticism of refereeing standards.

Stewart has been hugely critical of the Scottish Premiership’s referees throughout the season, with some comments bordering on the edge of conspiracy.

In November, the 45-year-old was forced to apologise after suggesting that referees had attempted to cover up a mistake after St Mirren’s goal against Hibernian was ruled out.

But the pundit has not been dissuaded from making sure to voice his opinion, and appeared to make a suggestion on Saturday that will not go down with the SFA.

After a Celtic fan had pointed out that Stewart had deleted his posts on X dating back to Tuesday, the former midfielder made a comment that could be perceived to suggest some conspiracy behind the events of the past week.

“You’re right,” he wrote. “I’m just pretty fed up with Scottish football to be honest. You can revel in that if you wish but there is a bad taste in a lot of football people’s mouths now & that isn’t healthy for the Scottish game.

“We have seen what’s gone on with our own eyes & it’s not great.”

SFA to extend Stewart disdain

Whatever your opinion on the past week’s events and how they reflect on Scottish football, Stewart’s comments are likely toeing the line.

And having already faced action from the SFA, the pundit is risking further bans from Hampden Park by continuing to speak out on the matter.

Even the slightest suggestion of conspiracy will likely be met with the strongest of rebuttals, especially considering the police action that was taken to protect Beaton earlier this week.

The discussion surrounding a momentous week for Scottish football will likely rage on for weeks before the footballing nation inevitably comes together for this summer’s World Cup.