Why two Premier League pundits must do a forfeit if Hull avoid relegation

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FT Desk

Pundits Joe Cole and Carlton Cole have offered to do a forfeit if Hull City survive relegation this summer.

Over the past couple of days there has been a back-and-forth between the pair and Hull fans after they made some disparaging comments about the club on The Dressing Room podcast.

Cole suggested they were already as good as relegated and said they gained promotion "through the back door" last season after scoring a late winner in the Championship playoff against Middlesbrough.

Boro were only involved in the tie as Southampton were ejected from the playoffs following the Spygate scandal.

The pair laughed as Cole joked that he avoided a call to act as a pundit on Hull's first game of the season.

Hull City are GOING DOWN! 🗣️🐯

The lads don’t rate Hull’s chances this season 🥺

Watch in full 👉 https://t.co/PuonqV3D90#TheDressingRoom #PremierLeague #PL pic.twitter.com/B1xa8RV4nI

— The Dressing Room Podcast (@dressingroomaa) August 19, 2026

There was an understandable backlash from the club and the fans.

Owner Acun Ilicali posted on social media:

Writing on social media, Ilicali 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 were promoted last season.

"For me, seeing two ex-players making fun of a deservedly promoted club, is more laughable than the things they were laughing at."

On Thursday, Hull manager Sergej Jakirovic also addressed the issue.

"It is a great motivation to prove them wrong, if it's possible," he said.

"It will not be easy but at least we can fight there. We don't have anything to lose. You play for yourself, and you show your potential on the pitch."

Carlton Cole subsequently posted another video on the podcast's X page, defending the conversation as "banter".

He said he had an affinity with Hull due to the fact his sone used to play in the youth team.

Public service announcement! 🚨 @HullCity fans, if you stay up this season, Joe Cole, Wayne Bridge and Carlton will do a forfeit of your choosing 👀

Comment below!👇 #TheDressingRoom #PremierLeague https://t.co/lLkHP23UZj pic.twitter.com/EZRmXqAoly

— The Dressing Room Podcast (@dressingroomaa) August 20, 2026

In an attempt to make peace with the Hull fans, he asked them to suggest a forfeit that he, Joe Cole and Wayne Bridge would need to do if the club stays up this campaign.

"What I want from you is, is to suggest a forfeit," he said.

"If you do stay up, send your suggestions to Joe Cole. We’ll read them out on the pod next week.

"And, make sure it’s within the lines, man, nothing crazy.

"Because, I want to do it as well, I want to do the forfeit if you guys stay up, too."

On his post, the supporters don't seem to want to interact with the forfeit suggestion and continue to criticise the disrespect sent towards the club.