Joe Cole’s controversial remarks about Hull City provoke backlash
Joe Cole has left TNT Sports bosses dumbfounded after saying Hull City are “already relegated” and putting his phone on “do not disturb” to dodge being asked to work as a pundit for their opening-day fixture, reports BritPanorama.
The former Chelsea and England midfielder’s comments, made during a podcast alongside his former West Ham team-mate Carlton Cole, have sparked outrage among Hull supporters.
Cole bluntly stated, “Hull are gone, man,” dismissing their claims to a place in the Premier League by suggesting they had arrived “through the back door.” This assertion is particularly poignant as Hull secured promotion after winning the Championship play-off final.
Cole further alleged that TNT Sports had attempted to book him for Hull’s curtain-raiser, stating, “I put my phone on do not disturb,” implying that he intentionally made himself unavailable for the role.
However, Cole’s narrative has been met with skepticism at TNT Sports. According to reports, insiders at the broadcaster contend that he was never scheduled to provide punditry for the MKM Stadium fixture and therefore had no need to avoid contact from the network.
Sources indicate that senior figures at TNT Sports were puzzled by Cole’s account, insisting that no approach had been made regarding the Hull match. Despite this confusion, the fallout from Cole’s remarks has resonated deeply in Hull.
Players and coaching staff at the club are reportedly aware of Cole’s comments and plan to use them as motivation in what they anticipate will be a challenging season in the top flight. Supporters have taken to social media to voice their discontent, labeling the remarks “condescending” and “disrespectful” to a team that has earned its Premier League status through hard work.
Some fans have gone as far as calling for Hull to impose a ban on Cole attending the MKM Stadium in any capacity. Hull City is set to kick off their Premier League season against Manchester United this Saturday lunchtime.
As the new season begins, Cole’s comments act as a reminder of the fine line between punditry and provocation, illustrating how a single statement can ignite fierce loyalty and passion among supporters.
