Michael Stewart has claimed that Celtic and Rangers possess the unique ability to influence refereeing decisions in Scotland, directly impacting the outcome of this season’s Premiership title race.
In a dramatic conclusion to the season, Celtic edged out Hearts by just two points on the final day. However, the closing stretch was marred by intense controversy following a last-minute penalty award for Celtic at Motherwell in midweek, which dramatically altered the title permutations.
Adding to the frustration for the Tynecastle club, the Key Match Incident (KMI) panel recently ruled that Derek McInnes’ side should have been awarded a penalty the previous Saturday in Lanarkshire. On that occasion, referee Steven McLean chose not to overturn his initial decision after a challenge on Alexandros Kyziridis.
These two refereeing calls effectively swung the momentum, costing Hearts two vital points while handing two to Celtic. The controversial decisions have since sparked widespread outrage from observers outside of Scottish football.
While rival fans have mocked Celtic’s victory as a “tainted title” and some supporters condemned chaotic post-match scenes, Stewart insists the underlying issue regarding officiating must be addressed. Speaking on Premier Sports, the pundit admitted he completely understands why Hearts fans feel entirely robbed of the championship.
“They’ve come out on top in what is probably the most exciting title race that we’re ever going to see,” Stewart said. “But there is however, another story and it has to be spoken about. It can’t be forgotten about.”
Stewart emphasized that the media has a responsibility to discuss how officiating has shaped the league’s climax in an articulate and appropriate fashion. He noted that neutral commentators with no emotional ties to Scottish football have been unanimous in their view that refereeing errors dictated the final standings to the detriment of Hearts.
He continued by validating the heartbreak felt by the Edinburgh fanbase, acknowledging their immense emotional investment and justifiable feelings of injustice.
Importantly, Stewart clarified that he is not alleging a conspiracy or suggesting any form of cheating. Instead, he points to a combination of refereeing incompetence and a lopsided football environment. According to Stewart, the two Glasgow giants exert both direct and indirect pressure on officials, creating a dynamic that smaller clubs simply cannot replicate.
With such razor-thin margins defining the title race, Stewart warned that failing to address these officiating issues risks disenfranchising an entire generation of Scottish football supporters.