The outspoken pundit was ordered to stay away from the ground earlier this year following his fierce criticism of Scottish referees.

Michael Stewart returns to Hampden today 🎙️ https://t.co/aeJRjc0Z9z

— Premier Sports (@PremSportsTV) October 31, 2026

But Stewart is back inside Hampden for today’s Premier Sports Cup semi-final between Rangers and Aberdeen after the long-running row was resolved.

The former Hearts and Hibs midfielder was initially handed an indefinite ban, which saw him miss both Scottish Cup semi-finals and the final in May.

Stewart even resorted to broadcasting from inside a production truck parked outside Hampden during Dunfermline’s semi-final clash with Falkirk, only to later be told the car park was also off limits.

He has now been allowed to return and has apologised to SFA chiefs for comments he accepts went “over the top”.

A statement released by Premier Sports on Stewart’s behalf read: “On both sides there was an agreement that everyone has the right to an opinion, but I also accept that at times some of my comments may have been over the top and I have apologised for that.

“I’m looking forward to focusing positively on Scottish football, starting with two great semi-finals this weekend at Barclays Hampden.”

Premier Sports had previously backed Stewart during the dispute, warning that his ban risked setting a “dangerous precedent” over media access.

The SFA had been particularly unhappy with Stewart’s criticism of Head of Refereeing Willie Collum.

It’s understood officials raised concerns about the pundit through the Scottish Senior Football Referees’ Association, with complaints made to both the SFA and Premier Sports.

Stewart’s Hampden exile resulted in the unusual scenes in April when he appeared on screen from inside a production truck outside the stadium before contributing to the live commentary as Dunfermline defeated Falkirk on penalties.