Scottish Cup semi-final assistant referee Graeme Stewart was forced to make a rapid exit from Police Scotland after being fined £500 for assault.
Stewart had to give up on his police career but that hasn’t stopped him rising through the ranks as one of the most highly rated assistant refs in the Scottish game.
In 2013 his police career came to a halt when was found guilty of assault and fined £500 for an attack on Charles O’Donnell while serving as a police officer.
Stewart had to be restrained by colleagues while in a police vehicle after the incident in January 2013.
Speaking to The Sun about his abrupt departure from the force a former colleague admitted: “Stewart knew he faced the boot — he went before he was pushed. A moment of madness cost him his career.
“The SFA must have decided his crime conviction had nothing to do with his football role.”
The Hampden clash between Celtic and Sevco is one of the most eagerly anticipated matches of the Scottish season and will be televised live by Sky Sports.
For Graeme Murty it is his last chance to convince the Ibrox board that he should be given the manager’s job on a full time basis while a win for Celtic would take Brendan Rodgers to one match away from from a second treble.
Bobby Madden, who refereed last season’s Scottish Cup Final will be in charge of the Hampden semi with Steven McLean his assistant.
