Acun Ilicali, the owner of Hull City, has taken to social media to express his dissatisfaction with Joe Cole's comments. Cole stated that he would be surprised if the club managed to stay in the Premier League, implying that their promotion was undeserved. He also claimed that Hull City had only been promoted via the play-offs.
Ilicali responded by saying that it was disappointing to see his city being criticised by people who should know better. He added that Hull City is a club that has grown accustomed to being underestimated and that they take pride in being the underdogs. The owner also praised the city of Hull, calling it one of the most beautiful places in the world.
Hull City returns to the Premier League this season after promoting via the play-offs in May. The club defeated Middlesbrough in the final at Wembley Stadium, thanks to a late goal. The team's manager, Sergej Jakirovic, has used Cole's comments as motivation for his team to prove him wrong.