Michael Stewart’s return to BBC Scotland has sparked an angry reaction from Ibrox.
After a three week stand off, yesterday BBC Scotland announced that the former Hearts midfielder would be considered for pundit duties on Sportsound and Sportscene.
Stewart’s crime was to highlight a glut of stories involving Alfredo Morelos and linking them to Ibrox PR guru James Traynor.
Sportsound host Kenny MacIntyre tried to distract Stewart from the issue, on Tuesday February 4 the programme opened with an apology which referenced Traynor not being in the studio to defend himself.
The nature of the programme relies on pundits being critical of people and club’s live on air, those being criticised are never in the studio to defend themselves.
The Sun reports:
The (Ibrox) statement read: “We note BBC Scotland’s comment about Michael Stewart and we also note they have had to remind him about their guidelines around fairness and accuracy.
“That they have had to do so, makes it clear he was neither fair nor accurate during his outburst which was broadcast on radio. It is important to remember that during that broadcast he was dismissive of any racist behaviour towards Alfredo Morelos during the last Old Firm match.
“That the BBC is now happy to allow this contributor a return to their platforms even though he has shown no remorse or offered an apology to Rangers, Alfredo Morelos, or James Traynor, who has been attacked online and also physically, defies belief.
“This also tells us that BBC Scotland has no wish to resolve our long-standing issues, which are of course around fairness and accuracy. In light of this Rangers will not now resume discussions on resolving those issues with the BBC.”
Traynor isn’t an employee of the Ibrox club but merits a mention in their statement to The Sun, no statement has ever been issued about the incorrect translation used by Sky Sports in their officially approved interview with Morelos.
Over the last three seasons Stewart and Steven Thompson were the pundits to discuss SPFL highlights on Sportscene.
In recent weeks James McFadden, Malky Mackay and Neil McCann have appeared alongside Thompson to share their views.
This weekend BBC Sportscene has live coverage of the Hibs v Caley Thistle and St Mirren v Aberdeen Scottish Cup ties but there is no word if Stewart will be involved in either broadcast.
