EFL club’s chairman surprised by player’s social media statement after red card

Hull City owner Acun Ilicali has taken to social media following John Lundstram’s apology to supporters on Saturday.

The midfielder shared a statement after he was sent off in the Tigers’ defeat to Sheffield United.

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Sergej Jakirovic’s side were beaten 2-1 at Bramall Lane after surrendering a lead late on.

Hull had taken the lead through Oli McBurnie as they aimed to strengthen their grip on a Championship play-off place.

However, Lundstram was booked twice in nine minutes during the second half, resulting in a red card against his former club.

The Blades then equalised with five minutes remaining as Gustavo Hamer converted a penalty awarded by referee John Brooks.

Danny Ings secured all three points for the home side just three minutes later.

Lundstram apologises to fans

Following the match, Lundstram took to social media to apologise to Hull supporters.

He also issued a response to the reception he had received from the Sheffield United fans.

In a post on his Instagram story, Lundstram wrote: “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.

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“I left because I couldn’t turn down the opportunity to change mine and my family’s 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.”

Lundstram will now be suspended for Hull’s home match against Birmingham on Saturday.

Hull chairman responds

However, he may also face the wrath of Ilicali after the Tigers chairman responded on social media.

The Turkish businessman pointed to the refereeing decisions as well as making an apparent dig at Lundstram for writing ‘hull’ instead of ‘Hull’ at times in his statement.

Ilicali wrote on X: “Dear Lunny, We are still feeling the pain of the three points stolen from us today.

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“We believe that the most important thing today that we need to talk about is losing three points by terrible referee decisions.

“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 feel better in the future with the genuine love and support from our Hull City (with capital H) fans.”

Lundstram spent four years with Sheffield United before joining Rangers on a free transfer in 2021.

During that time with the Blades, he made 120 appearances for the club and helped them win promotion to the Premier League.

The 32-year-old is currently on loan at Hull from Turkish side Trabzonspor as they aim to return to the top-flight for the first time in nine years.

Following Saturday’s defeat, the Tigers are sixth in the Championship, four points clear of seventh place Wrexham with four matches to play.