Stewart believes the big two can influence ref calls in a way other Premiership clubs can’t and this season it’s affected the title race
Michael Stewart on Premier Sports
Michael Stewart claims that Celtic and Rangers are able to exert pressure on Scottish refs that impacts decisions and as a result this season, the title race.
Celtic pipped Hearts by two points with a final day win over the Jambos, but not after an incredibly controversial last gasp penalty award at Motherwell in midweek altered the permutations massively.
Derek McInnes’ men were also told by the KMI panel that they should have had a spot-kick of their own in Lanarkshire the previous Saturday, when Steven McLean refused to overturn his decision not to point to the spot for a challenge on Alexandros Kyziridis.
Both calls were the difference between two points dropped for Hearts and gained for Celtic, with the latter sparking outrage from outwith Scotland.
And Stewart insists it’s an issue that has to be talked about, and confesses he finds it hard to argue with Hearts fans who feel they’ve been robbed.
“They’ve come out on top in what is probably the most exciting title race that we’re ever going to see,” Stewart told Premier Sports.
“But there is however, another story and it has to be spoken about. It can’t be forgotten about.
“There’s a feeling that – and it’s incumbent on us in the media to discuss in an articulate and appropriate fashion – there’s a question about this title and how it’s been impacted by the decisions of the officials.
“It’s self evident over the last week. Some of those decisions have drawn comment from people far and wide, those who are watching and commenting with no connection. to the game here. As far as the emotion is concerned, to balance out, they don’t have to worry about that.
“People commenting are unanimously saying that this has impacted the end result of the title. It’s been detrimental to Hearts.
“For every hearts supporter, it’s obviously clear, by the very nature of them being fans, they are clearly emotionally invested invested in this, they feel that they’ve been robbed and there’s a feeling of injustice unfolded here. I find it hard to disagree with that sentiment.
“I’d like to be clear though, I’m not saying there’s a conspiracy, I don’t think there’s been cheating at play.
“What I’m saying is that there’s clear incompetence within the hierarchy of officiating in this country, coupled with the environment where two big clubs in Glasgow exert pressure directly and indirectly that impacts decision making, in a way that other clubs simply can’t do.
“The end result is that margins for error in this title race are so fine and in this scenario, a few decisions in the last couple of games have impacted the race.
“There’s a danger of disenfranchising a whole generation of supporters in Scotland. It needs to be spoken about.”