Hull City supporters taunted television pundit Joe Cole at the MKM Stadium as their side raced into a 2-0 lead against Manchester United. Home fans chanted "are you watching, Joe Cole?" after centre-backs Semi Ajayi and Nobel Mendy scored to stun Michael Carrick's team in their first Premier League match of the season.
The reaction from the stands followed criticism directed at Cole for laughing at the newly promoted East Yorkshire club prior to the start of the season. Speaking on The Dressing Room podcast in the build-up to the campaign, the former Chelsea and England midfielder had written off Hull's chances in the top flight, claiming the team were "gone".
Cole also claimed on the podcast that broadcaster TNT Sports had assigned him to cover Hull's opening match against Manchester United and that he had put his phone on Do Not Disturb to avoid contact about the fixture. However, Daily Mail Sport exclusively revealed that Cole was never lined up or scheduled to cover the match at the MKM Stadium.
Supporters took to social media to highlight what they viewed as Cole's "condescending" and "disrespectful" attitude towards the club. Some supporters even suggested that the Championship play-off winners should ban the pundit from attending matches at their stadium.
Hull City owner Acun Ilicali responded to the pundit's comments by posting a statement on social media, expressing his disappointment at seeing the city and club criticized by former professional players.
"It is disappointing to see my beautiful city criticised by people who should know better," Ilicali wrote. "As a club we are used to being underestimated and we enjoy it, and we enjoyed it more when we were promoted last season. The true beauty of a place is in its people, and that's why, for me, Hull is one of the most beautiful places in the world. For me, seeing two ex-players making fun of a deservedly promoted club, is more laughable than the things they were laughing at."
Travel Disruption and Fan Reaction
The home side took viewers by surprise with their rapid start against Manchester United. To make matters worse for the visiting supporters, train services running between 3.03pm and 5.03pm for the journey home were cancelled.
Hull fans quickly mocked the travelling supporters over the transport issues, chanting "You're going home in a taxi," from the stands.
Hull had been tipped by some observers to be relegated from the Championship last season, but Ilicali has remained bullish about his team's prospects under manager Sergej Jakirovic. The club has spent around £76million on 11 players since securing promotion and continues to target further signings, though they kicked off against Manchester United with eight players from last season's squad in their starting line-up.
Podcast Controversy and TNT Sports Response
Cole triggered outrage in East Yorkshire following remarks made during a podcast recording with his former West Ham United team-mate Carlton Cole. When asked to predict which teams would be relegated from the Premier League this season, Cole said "Hull are gone, man" and asserted that the club had arrived in the top flight "through the back door".
Cole added that he had "a confession to make", telling listeners that TNT Sports had "tried to slip in Hull on the first day of the season" before stating, "I put my phone on Do Not Disturb."
Daily Mail Sport understands the comments left bosses at TNT Sports bemused. Insiders confirmed that Cole was not down to cover the season opener at the MKM Stadium and had never been scheduled to do so.
Squad Motivation and European Inspiration
Despite the broadcaster's clarification, the comments have stirred strong feelings within Hull City. Sources disclosed that players and staff are fully aware of Cole's remarks and intend to use them as motivation during the campaign ahead.
The team will look to the achievements of Sunderland last season as inspiration. The Black Cats successfully qualified for European football in their first year back in the Premier League following promotion from the Championship.
