Hull Owner Says Critics of Club’s Name Change ‘can die as soon they want’

Assem Allam the owner of Premier League football club Hull has told fans who are protesting their name change can “die as soon as they want.”

Allam has sparked controversy by pushing through plans to rebrand the club as the Hull Tigers and fans have formed a campaign group called City Till We Die.

In response to their protests, Allam told the Independent: “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.”

The 74-year old took over the club in 2010 and helped keep the club in business following their relegation from the Premier League.

However, in August the Egyptian announced he would remove the AFC part of the club’s name, which has been a part of the name since the club’s formation in 1904.

Speaking about the protests, Allam added: “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?”

A statement from City Till We Die read: “Thankfully, hooliganism at football in this country is now exceedingly rare.

“The intemperate suggestion that singing “City Till I Die” or holding a banner with Hull City’s name on it constitutes disorder is ill-informed, unhelpful and will be considered by many to be offensive.

“We reiterate our advice to all City fans to continue their fine support for our fantastic team while positively expressing a preference for our current name.”