Tom Griffin

🚨 Sergej Jakirović on his altercation with the referee at full-time after Hull City’s 1–0 defeat to Arsenal: 🎙️ Interviewer: “Sergej, we saw you confronting the referee after the final whistle. What made you so angry? Sergej Jakirović: “Because some decisions today were simply difficult to understand. I’m not asking anyone to give Hull City special treatment, but I’m asking for fairness. We deserve the same respect as every other club in this league. Just because we’re newly promoted doesn’t mean we should keep our mouths shut when decisions go against us. Interviewer: “Do you feel your team was treated differently today? Sergej Jakirović: “I don’t want to make accusations, but people need to look at those decisions again. Imagine if those same incidents happened at the other end. Would the reaction have been the same? That’s the question people should be asking. Interviewer: “Despite the defeat, your team restricted Arsenal to just one goal at the Emirates. Are you proud of that performance? Sergej Jakirović: “Absolutely. Look at the difference in resources, experience and expectations between these clubs. We’re newly promoted, we’re still building, but my players went out there and fought for every ball. Arsenal couldn’t simply walk over us. We conceded once, not five times. My players deserve credit for that. Interviewer: “What did you tell your players after the match? Sergej Jakirović: “I told them to keep their heads up. We didn’t come here to admire Arsenal or collect their shirts. We came here to compete. We may not have their budget or their squad, but we have pride. And nobody is taking that away from us. Interviewer: “Do you have a final message for the officials? Sergej Jakirović: “Apply the rules equally. Don’t judge a newly promoted club differently from a title contender. We can accept defeat, but we will never accept being treated as though our voices don’t matter.