Hull City A.F.C.'s team bus was reportedly attacked ahead of Saturday's Championship play-off final against Middlesbrough F.C. at Wembley Stadium. The Tigers were preparing for the biggest match of their season when bottles and stones were allegedly thrown at the team coach in London shortly before players boarded the vehicle.
Images and footage circulating online showed visible damage to the side of the bus, including shattered areas and dark liquid splattered across the exterior. The incident reportedly occurred before the squad departed from the Hilton hotel for Wembley, although players were not on board the coach at the time of the attack.
Fans on social media condemned the incident, with one supporter writing on X: “No need for this. Hope they catch who did it.” Another added: “What is wrong with people?” Hull City had not officially commented on the incident at the time of reporting.
The attack comes amid growing controversy surrounding this year's Championship play-offs following the dramatic removal of Southampton F.C. from the final over the recent “Spygate” scandal. Southampton had initially secured a place in the final after defeating Middlesbrough 2-1 on aggregate in the semi-finals.
However, the club was later expelled from the final and handed a four-point deduction for next season after the English Football League found Southampton guilty of misconduct involving the monitoring of opponents’ training sessions. Middlesbrough were subsequently reinstated to the final in Southampton’s place.
The controversy intensified after it emerged that Southampton intern Will Salt had allegedly been spotted filming Middlesbrough training sessions ahead of the semi-final clash. Southampton later apologised publicly to supporters while insisting the punishment imposed by the EFL was excessive.
“While we fully acknowledge the seriousness of this matter and the scrutiny that has followed, the club has consistently believed the original sporting sanction was disproportionate, a view that has been widely shared by many in the football community over the last 24 hours,” the club said in a statement.
“We would like to place on record our sincere thanks to our supporters for the support, patience and loyalty they have shown throughout an incredibly difficult period. The club will reflect carefully on the events that have led to this point, learn from them and take the necessary steps to move forward responsibly. While tonight is a painful moment, this football club will respond with humility, accountability and determination to put things right.”
