Hull stage bizarre press conference for player to apologise for Instagram post

01/04/2025 06:55 AM

Hull City star Abu Kamara was subjected to a bizarre press conference on Friday.

The 21-year-old spoke to the press alongside manager Ruben Selles to apologise for a comment he made on Instagram which left some Tigers supporters fuming – although most couldn't see what the big deal was.

Here's what happened – Hull were beaten by Middlesbrough on Wednesday evening, with Michael Carrick’s side scoring in stoppage-time to take all three points back to the Riverside with a 1-0 win.

Fans were left annoyed with Kamara, a summer signing from Norwich City, who allowed Boro's No.10 Delano Burgzorg to carry the ball unchallenged down the left wing before sending a cross into the box, which was well converted by Alex Gilbert for the winner.

It was a particularly crushing defeat for Hull as it dropped the club back into the bottom-three after a rise in form following Selles' arrival at the start of December, with two wins for their last four which had lifted them out of the relegation zone.

To make matters worse, some eagle-eyed supporters noticed some social media activity from Kamara after the game that they didn't like.

The young forward commented a heart emoji on a post from friend and ex-teammate Paddy Lane, who celebrated ending a goal drought to score his first goal of the season on the same evening.

The thing is, Lane plays for Portsmouth, Hull's immediate rivals in the Championship's relegation places, and some Tigers fans were incensed that one of their players congratulated a rival on the same night where his mistake directly led to Hull losing.

Hull then staged a press conference for local media featuring the player and new manager Selles, giving an opportunity for Kamara to apologise for his comment.

But the majority of fans questioned why the club felt the need to do this, considering he was merely sending his support to a close mate.

Kamara played alongside Lane last season during a loan spell at Portsmouth from Norwich, with the pair helping Pompey to the League One title.

“I made a comment on one of my friend’s posts on Instagram a couple of days ago,” Kamara told the press.

“I’d say first of all, it was a mistake, and I probably shouldn’t have done that, but I just wanted to express my feelings on how happy I was for him to score his first Championship goal.

"But it was the wrong timing, and it sparked a bit of an outroar, so I apologise for my actions.”

While some Hull fans posted some x-rated responses to an image of Kamara's comment that was shared on social media, most wondered what the fuss was all about and why the club felt the need to get involved.

"This is extremely uncomfortable to watch," one X user posted. "What on earth are Hull thinking in making him do this?

"A near five minute apology video because Abu Kamara commented an emoji on his mate's Instagram post, congratulating him on his first Championship goal? Madness!"

A Hull supporter also remarked: "Personally I don't think this was necessary but respect to Abu for doing it. Now time to get behind the young lad to help reach his potential. UTT."

Another said: "How embarrassing. Poor Kamara looks like he is being held at gunpoint and being made to 'explain' himself over a comment made on an Instagram post.

"Anybody with half a damn brain cell could see he was just congratulating a mate. Why is this needed?"

Another fan commented online: “Can't believe Hull have hung him out to dry like this.

"He should've tracked back better, yes, but there's also questions to be asked of the other defender/s closing the player down. They gave him too much space."

Kamara added in the press conference: “Yes, I was [suprised by the reaction] to be honest. I was in bed with my missus, and I was seeing a lot of comments. I was just confused as to why I was getting all these messages.

“I didn’t really think much of it, but my agent got in contact with me, saying that it was a big problem, so I just thought I needed to address it and say there was no malicious intent with my comment. It was just a simple message to my friend congratulating him on his first goal in the Champ.”

Most fans on social media agreed, with another saying: "Something out of nothing is what this looks like to everybody else. Why’s he being forced to apologise over a congratulatory message to a friend? 

"Anybody following footballers on Instagram will see this is a regular thing. Embarrassing. Feel for the lad having to explain it!"

Hull will need Kamara to be at his best on Saturday as they host table-topping Leeds United at the MKM Stadium. 

The £5million summer signing has scored just one goal this season, in the EFL Cup against League One side Stevenage, but hasn't found the net in 19 Championship outings in a Hull shirt – although he has contributed two assists.

He managed ten goals and 11 assists in all competitions for Pompey last season, so there is hope he can rediscover the form that saw him lift the League One title.