MICHAEL STEWART has been forced to apologise to the SFA after claiming they tried to “cover up” a VAR decision on Saturday.
The former Scotland star has said sorry after Hampden chiefs complained to Premier Sports.
Stewart, speaking after St Mirren had a goal ruled out against Hibs, claimed on live TV: “There’s a mistake been made there and they’re trying to cover it up.”
He also claimed VAR officials “used a different frame in the second shot” as they tried to get the call right.
SunSport understands SFA chief executive Ian Maxwell immediately wrote to Premier Sports bosses to express his concern at the comments.
It’s believed Hampden chiefs felt the remarks were both unacceptable and defamatory.
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It’s also understood they sent Premier Sports chiefs a full explanation for the decision which denied St Mirren a goal in Paisley.
Stewart said on the broadcaster’s Scottish Football Social Club programme: “I apologise for any misunderstanding.
“I am not trying to claim there is something untoward going on.
“It was the same frame. I should not have said it was a different frame and I apologise for that.”
It’s the second time in less than a month that SFA bosses were unhappy at comments made by the former Hearts and Hibs ace.
They complained to BBC bosses after he criticised the explanation of a VAR decision in Falkirk‘s home win over Dundee last month.
Stewart’s apology comes as Rangers seek more answers from the SFA over alleged “inconsistencies” in officiating.
The Ibrox club were unsatisfied with the explanation they were initially given by Hampden bosses over key incidents from the Premier Sports Cup semi-final loss to Celtic.
And following the release of the KMI report from the game, they now want a second meeting to further outline their concerns.
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