# Hull City Owner Acun Ilicali Slams Joe Cole and Carlton Cole Over ‘Laughable’ Survival Jibes

> By  · Published 2026-08-21 · Updated 2026-08-21
> https://lesportifplus.com/en/2026/08/21/hull-city-owner-acun-ilicali-slams-joe-cole-and-carlton-cole-over-laughable-survival-jibes/

## Summary
Hull City owner Acun Ilicali has criticised pundits Joe Cole and Carlton Cole for mocking the club's chances of survival during a podcast discussion, calling their comments 'laughable.' The Turkish businessman defended his club's ambitions and dismissed the pundits' assessment as out of touch with reality.

## Key points
- Hull City owner Acun Ilicali publicly hit back at pundits Joe Cole and Carlton Cole
- The criticism stemmed from remarks made during a football podcast questioning Hull's survival chances
- Ilicali labelled the pundits' comments as 'laughable' and defended his club's project

Hull City owner Acun Ilicali has publicly criticised former players Joe Cole and Carlton Cole, branding their remarks about his club’s top-flight survival prospects as “laughable.” The comments came after the two pundits questioned Hull’s chances on a football podcast, prompting a sharp rebuke from the outspoken Turkish businessman, who has never shied away from defending his club in the media.

## What did Joe Cole and Carlton Cole say about Hull City?

During a podcast appearance, Joe Cole and Carlton Cole cast doubt on Hull City’s ability to compete and survive at the level being discussed, with their tone described as mocking rather than analytical. Their comments were picked up widely, drawing attention not just for the football opinion itself but for the dismissive manner in which it was delivered.

## Why has Acun Ilicali reacted so strongly?

Ilicali has built a reputation since taking over at Hull City for being fiercely protective of the club’s image and ambitions, frequently engaging directly with fans, media, and now pundits who he feels underestimate his project. He described the criticism levelled by the two former England internationals as unfounded and out of touch with the reality of the work being done at the club.

> “Their comments were laughable and show they don’t understand what we’re building here,” the club’s owner said.

## What does this mean for Hull City going forward?

The public spat highlights the growing scrutiny Hull City face as they attempt to establish themselves and silence doubters about their long-term prospects. Ilicali’s willingness to confront pundits directly is likely to keep the club in the headlines, adding an extra layer of pressure and attention as the season progresses. Whether this exchange spurs a reaction on the pitch remains to be seen, but it underscores the owner’s determination to defend his club’s reputation at every opportunity.

## Source

- [BBC Sport Football](https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/articles/c39eg04p08eo?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss) — BBC Sport Football

## Sources
- [BBC Sport Football](https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/articles/c39eg04p08eo?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss)