TNT Sport bosses left bemused by Joe Cole after pundit bizarrely claimed Hull City have arrived in the Premier League 'through the back door' and he snubbed call to cover opening game vs Man United

Joe Cole has sparked a furious response from Hull City fans after claiming the Tigers are already relegated - and saying he put his phone on ‘do not disturb’ to ensure he would not have to be a pundit for TNT Sports at their season opener against Manchester United tomorrow night.

The former Chelsea and England man has triggered outrage in East Yorkshire thanks to comments he made with former West Ham team-mate Carlton Cole on a podcast.

When asked who would be going down this season, Cole said ‘Hull are gone, man’ before claiming that they had arrived in the Premier League ‘through the back door’.

He then added that he had ‘a confession to make’, saying he had been contacted by TNT Sports who ‘tried to slip in Hull on the first day of the season’. ‘I put my phone on Do Not Disturb,’ he said.

Joe Cole has risked the wrath of Hull City fans with comments made on his podcast

Daily Mail Sport understands the comments have left bosses at TNT Sports bemused, with insiders saying Cole was not down to cover the opener at the MKM Stadium, and never had been.

Regardless, it has stoked plenty of emotion in Hull. Sources have disclosed that players and staff are well aware of what was said and intend to use it as motivation for what would appear to be a tough mission ahead.

Fans have taken to social media to highlight what they see as a ‘condescending’ and ‘disrespectful’ attitude, with some even claiming the newly-promoted club, who won the Championship play-off final, should ban Cole from its stadium.

Hull owner Acun Ilicali responded to the comments from both Coles on social media, writing: '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.

'The true beauty of a place is in its people, and that’s why, for me, Hull is one of the most beautiful places in the world.

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