Arabic version: مالك هال يوبّخ محللين بسبب تعليقات البقاء

According to BBC News, Hull City owner Acun Ilicali has criticised pundits Joe Cole and Carlton Cole after they mocked the club’s chances of Premier League survival on The Dressing Room podcast.

Former England and Chelsea midfielder Joe Cole said he had declined an opportunity to be a pundit for Hull’s opening match and said he would be “stunned if they stayed up”. He joked that the promoted side had “come here through the back door” and “slipped in”.

Hull secured promotion with a last-minute victory over Middlesbrough in the play-off final at Wembley in May. The coming campaign will be the club’s first Premier League season since 2017. In 2025, Hull avoided relegation from the Championship to League One on goal difference.

Ilicali wrote on social media that it was disappointing to see his “beautiful city” criticised by people who should know better. He said Hull were used to being underestimated and that watching two former players make fun of “a deservedly promoted club” was more laughable than their comments. Manager Sergej Jakirovic said the remarks could provide motivation, adding that the team had nothing to lose. Carlton Cole later posted a video describing the podcast exchange as “banter” and saying he loved Hull City. Hull have spent £70m on new signings this summer and face Manchester United on Saturday in their opening Premier League fixture.