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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Sport
Kieran King

Hull City release statement as chairman Acun Ilicali injured in road traffic accident

Hull City have confirmed that chairman Acun Ilicali was involved in a road traffic accident in Istanbul on Monday.

The 53-year-old was out in the Turkish capital before suffering an arm injury and he will now undergo surgery to maintain a full recovery. A statement on Hull's Twitter read: "We can confirm that Chairman Acun Ilicali was involved in a road traffic accident in İstanbul on Monday.

"Acun sustained a fractured arm in the accident and will undergo surgery on Tuesday. We would like to wish Acun the best for his surgery and a speedy recovery."

Just last week, the Turkish TV personality visited a family at their home in Hull. In a poignant Instagram video, he told his followers: "Every day I fall more in love with this city… I enjoyed my visit to this beautiful family so much.

"It is the people what makes you happy when you live somewhere and I see so many lovely people in Hull every time I am there… What motivates me in ownership of Hull city is your love and I am in love."

Turkish outlet hurriyet reported earlier on Monday that was riding in Istanbul with his daughter Banu Ilıcalı at the time. Acun and his daughter were immediately taken to Liv Hospital Vadistanbul, where he was diagnosed with a fractured arm.

Ilicali took over the Tigers from the Allam family back in January and has already made some pretty significant changes. After just two matches, Shota Arveladze was confirmed as the club's new manager, replacing the outgoing Grant McCann, who guided Hull to the League One title.

Hull City chairman Acun Ilicali speaking at a press conference (Getty Images)

After taking over at the Tigers, Ilicali said: "I'm very excited. It has been a long journey for us. It s not easy to buy a club and It has been a six month process.

"I had a dream and today my dream came true. "There are many things we want to do to improve the club and that is important for us. The club has the potential to be a big club. It is a big club already but can be a bigger club.

"I know what it is to be a fan of a football club and I will give everything to make our fans feel more supported. We will try to make history with the fans.

"I haven't achieved anything in my life by myself, I have always done everything with the team. We are a team together, us with the supporters, we are a big family."

Following Saturday's 3-0 defeat at Swansea City, Arveladze has come under increased pressure from the club's fanbase. Hull currently sit 20th in the Championship table, despite being tipped for the play-offs and bringing in some top quality players over the summer.

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