Hull City owner Acun Ilicali aimed a dig at his own player John Lundstram after the midfielder admitted to being “hurt” by the reception given to him by Sheffield United fans.
Lundstram represented Sheffield United between 2017 and 2021, playing a key role in the club’s promotion to the Premier League in 2019.
He faced his former club in the black and amber of Hull on Saturday (April 13) alongside fellow ex-Blades John Egan and Oli McBurnie. The latter fired Hull ahead but late goals from Gustavo Hamer and Danny Ings secured a 2-1 win for the hosts at Bramall Lane.
Post-match, he took to Instagram to address the frosty reception he received from fans who once cheered him and apologise for being sent off.
John Lundstram was sent off in Hull City's defeat to Sheffield United.placeholder image
John Lundstram was sent off in Hull City's defeat to Sheffield United. | Tony Johnson & Ian Hodgson/PA Wire
John Lundstram’s statement
He said: “I never ever do this, but I’m sorry to the Hull fans today, fine margins decide games and I feel I cost us today I apologise!
“The reception from the Blades fans hurt a lot today also, I don’t understand the hostility. I absolutely love the club, gave everything I had for the club and was part of maybe the best Sheffield United team in history. I left because I couldn’t turn down the opportunity to change mine and my families’ lives.
“I just wanted to apologise to the Hull fans and say I love Sheffield United and it will always hold a special place in my heart! Lunny.”
Acun Ilicali’s response
However, his statement does not appeared to have impressed Hull owner Ilicali. Via X, the Tigers chairman suggested Lundstram should have centred his statement around the controversial refereeing decisions in the game rather than the hostility.
He has claimed Hull had three points “stolen” from them by “terrible” decisions made by the man in the middle.
He said: “Dear Lunny, we are still feeling the pain of the three points stolen from us today. We believe that the most important thing today that we need to talk about is losing three points by terrible referee decisions.
Hull City owner Acun Ilicali was not a happy man after his side’s loss to Sheffield United.placeholder image
Hull City owner Acun Ilicali was not a happy man after his side’s loss to Sheffield United. | Jonathan Gawthorpe
“On an afternoon filled with disappointment for us, as I read your statement, I would expect it to be more about the injustice on the pitch and less about the disappointment you felt from the fans of your former club.
“We are a big family, we have one dream. We have a great team, strong coach and the best fans fully focused on reaching the play-offs. I hope you'll feel better in the future with the genuine love and support from our Hull City (with capital H) fans.”
With just four games remaining, Hull sit sixth in the Championship table. It would be a devastating blow if their spot in the top six was lost at this stage of the campaign and a united front will be necessary if they are to avoid a late drop-off.