Sunday, 1st December, 2013
Hull City owner Assem Allam has launched a stinging attack on fans who are opposed to his decision to change the club's name to Hull Tigers, telling them they can "die as soon as they want".
A group opposing the name change has been formed, named City Till We Die, and Allam appears to have been angered by the development.
The 74-year-old Egypt-born businessman, who took over the club in 2010, told British newspaper the Independent: "I don't mind [the fans signing] 'City till we die'. They can die as soon as they want, as long as they leave the club for the majority who just want to watch good football.
"How can they call themselves fans, these hooligans, this militant minority, when they disturb and distract the players while taking away the rights of others to watch the football, and of companies who have paid good money for advertising?"
relatedNewsStory
Hull fans opposed to the name change unfurled a banner during last weekend's home victory over Crystal Palace which read 'We are Hull City'.
Allam has offered to refund any fans who are unhappy with the club's name change their season ticket cost. And the owner has also promised to walk away from Hull if he is no longer wanted.
"I'm a simple man", said Allam.
"Do they want me to stay? If it's, 'No thank you', fine, in 24 hours the club is for sale, I do not put in one more pound and hopefully things happen quickly."
Hull take on Liverpool later today in a Premier League clash at the KC Stadium.
Top tips from tipsters who know the game and betting match previews. Make sure you visit Inside Bet!
