Michael Stewart has been dropped from BBC Scotland’s weekend coverage of the SPFL despite the state broadcasters increased coverage of the Scottish game.
Last season the former Hearts midfielder fell foul of the BBC when he called out the influence of Ibrox media chief James Traynor. The following night Kenny MacIntyre started Sportsound with a grovelling apology for Mr Traynor explaining that he didn’t have the right to reply. That hasn’t stopped other pundits from offering criticism.
Stewart disappeared from the airwaves and screens allowing Neil McCann and James McFadden to step in on Sunday Sportscene where Stewart had teamed up with Steven Thompson for the previous three years.
Can’t wait for the new Premiership season to start, exciting times ahead. All the best to everyone for the first weekend, it’s certainly a great line up ? ??????? ?? https://t.co/RoTwb5S4hJ
— Michael Stewart (@mstewart_23) July 30, 2020
Thompson will present Sunday Sportscene but after the fuss kicked up by Stewart he is being quietly marginalised as the BBC attempt to win over their friends inside Ibrox.
The Sun, where Stewart writes a weekly column, reports:
Jonathan Sutherland will host Saturday’s programme which takes place at an earlier time of 7:30pm after Thompson and Leanne Crichton appear on Sportscene results.
He will be joined by former Celtic goalkeeper Craig Gordon – who will have to wait until October to play his first game with new club Hearts – and Scotland women’s boss Shelley Kerr.
While former Rangers man Thompson will then host the Sunday show which will show extended highlights from games on that day alongside James McFadden and Livingston midfielder Marvin Bartley.
Thompson will again be in the host’s chair for the Monday highlights show where he will be joined by Shaun Maloney and Julie Fleeting.
Sky Sports will have exclusive live coverage of 48 Premiership fixtures leaving the BBC with two highlights packages.