Gloating Hull fans waste no time poking fun of Joe Cole during Man Utd game after TNT Sports pundit’s ‘disrespect’

HULL fans wasted no time giving Joe Cole a taste of his own medicine after the TNT Sports pundit appeared to write off their Premier League survival chances. The Tigers supporters teased former Chelsea and England star during their blockbuster opener against Manchester United – and they had the perfect chant ready. Hull fans (left) celebrate with Manchester United’s fans (right) now facing a miserable trip back home Credit: PA Semi Ajayi gets the ball rolling for Hull, putting the Tigers 1-0 up Credit: EPA As Hull stunned Michael Carrick’s side by winning 2-0 and recording their first ever league win over United, fans could be heard singing: “Are you watching, Joe Cole?” It came after Cole had made a brutal prediction about Hull on The Dressing Room Podcast, saying: “Hull are gone, man.” Sign up for the Man United newsletter Thank you! He then claimed the Tigers had “slipped in” to the Premier League through the play-offs, despite their promotion being secured after a 1-0 victory over Middlesbrough in May. Cole was referring to the fact that Hull were supposed to play Southampton, who beat Boro in the semis before being suspended due to the Spygate scandal – meaning Boro took their place. He said: “I want to make a confession here today, right. TNT Sports have contacted me for the new season. They’ve tried to slip in the Hull one on the first day of the season. I put my phone on do not disturb!” But the comments appeared to come back to haunt him as Hull produced a stunning start against United. The Tigers were backed by a raucous MKM Stadium crowd and quickly showed they were not interested in listening to the doubters, with Semi Ajayi opening the scoring before Nobel Mendy added another. That was when supporters made sure Cole knew exactly what they thought, belting out: “Are you watching, Joe Cole?” Most read in Sport CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS Mohamed Belloumi and Oli McBurnie celebrate for Hull on a day where they had plenty to shout about Credit: Reuters The pundit’s comments had already caused plenty of anger among Hull fans before a ball was kicked, with one supporter responding online: “You should be ashamed of yourselves.” Another wrote: “Predicting us to go down is fine but the disrespect is disgusting.” Hull owner Acun Ilicali also hit back at the criticism before the season began. The Turkish businessman said: “It is disappointing to see my beautiful city criticised by people who should know better.” “As a club we are used to being underestimated and we enjoy it, and we enjoyed it more when we were promoted last season.” “For me, seeing ex-players making fun of a deservedly promoted club, is more laughable than the things they were laughing at.” There is also a familiar feeling around Hull’s return to the top flight, with their promotion this year coming a decade after they won the Championship play-off final in 2016. That year, Hull also stunned the odds on the opening day of their Premier League campaign, beating reigning champions Leicester City 2-1. It was a disappointing day for Michael Carrick and his team on Humberside Credit: Getty The Tigers ultimately went down that season, conceding 80 goals, and their defence will once again be under the microscope after they finished with the fourth-worst defensive record in the Championship last term. But on this evidence, that may not be the weakness Cole and others were expecting. Hull looked organised, aggressive and extremely difficult to break down as they took the game to United as Sergej Jakirovic’s side deservedly won. Chants of: “And now you’re gonna believe us, were gonna win the league” rang around the MKM Stadium towards the end of the game in what is a delightful day for the city of Hull. Comment now