“Michael Stewart’s Fiery Rant on Rangers Sparks BBC Apology”
BBC Sportsound has issued an apology after Michael Stewart swore live on air while discussing Todd Cantwell’s situation at Rangers on August 3rd. The English midfielder has submitted two transfer requests this summer after discussions with manager Philippe Clement, and was absent from the squad for the season opener against Hearts.
Stewart, speaking before the match, suggested that Cantwell’s potential departure might not significantly affect the team. However, his analysis took a crude turn as he questioned whether Cantwell’s presence in the locker room would be missed.
During the pre-match commentary at 12:25 PM, Stewart stated, “It depends on his character. If he’s seen as a good guy and a valuable team member, you’d hope he could be persuaded to stay. But if he’s a bit of a [p-word] and not well-liked, maybe the team would prefer he leaves.
“At halftime, BBC Sportsound host Kenny MacIntyre apologized for any offense caused by Stewart’s language, saying, “We want to apologize for any offense caused by language in the pre-match chat before kick-off.”
Stewart’s outburst is part of what some perceive as his usual critical stance towards Rangers. Despite Cantwell’s transfer requests, Clement appears to be open to keeping him, indicating that he hasn’t caused too much disruption within the squad. As the team looks to raise funds through player sales, it may be more practical to part ways with Cantwell and reinforce other areas of the pitch.
The opening match saw both teams struggling for a cutting edge, with Rangers’ reliance on long balls evident. Tom Lawrence played a central creative role, but the team clearly missed the unique spark that Cantwell can provide. Cyriel Dessers missed several key opportunities, underscoring the need for improvement as the transfer window remains open.