HE’S usually one of the most outspoken pundits in the game.
But for once Michael Stewart was lost for words when asked to discuss one of the most controversial talking points of the Premiership weekend.
Stewart was on the Sportscene couch this evening alongside host Steven Thompson and former Rangers and Kilmarnock goalkeeper, Cammy Bell.
And all three were left ASTOUNDED at the decision not to award St Mirren a penalty late in their game with Celtic last night.
Saints were trailing 3-2 in an enthralling match at the SMISA Stadium having twice come from behind to peg back their visitors.
They were pushing for their third equaliser and thought they were set to be awarded a penalty when Alistair Johnston scythed Roland Idowu to the ground in the Hoops box.
But referee Matthew McDermid wasn’t moved to point to the spot and VAR, astonishingly, didn’t overturn the call either.
And to make matters worse for the Buddies, Celtic broke up the park and Daizen Maeda slammed in their fourth goal to make sure of the points.
To rub salt into the wound, Hyun-jun Yang then added a fifth late on – his second of the game – to move the champions 16 points clear at the top.
Saints boss Stephen Robinson was left frustrated after the match at the decision not to give his team a platform to level things up at 3-3 with minutes left in the match.
And he was backed up by all three of the Sportscene panel– with Stewart for once stunned into silence.
Former Buddie Thompson said: “This penalty that wasn’t given – we’ve looked at it and I’d love someone to tell me why it’s NOT a penalty. Maybe you can.”
Bell replied: “And certainly at the stage of the game that it was, 3-2 to Celtic.
“That for me is why this is such a big incident.
“I can’t see why VAR haven’t intervened and given the penalty.
“It’s a stonewaller for me, he doesn’t touch the ball and goes clean through – that’s a dangerous challenge.”
Thompson thought it was “astonishing” and Stewart, for once, was dumbfounded.
The former Hearts and Hibs midfielder said: “I’m just laughing. It’s crazy.
“You saw the penalty in the first half (for Celtic) that was a penalty kick.
“But there was more contact in this one.
“I’m lost for words – I don’t understand why VAR hasn’t looked at it.”
To which Thompson quipped: “That’s a first! Finally.”
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