Hull City players reach Las Vegas after private jet delay threatened promotion trip

Hull City’s players arrived in Las Vegas for their owner-funded promotion celebration after a private jet fault left the squad stranded at Manchester Airport for several hours on Thursday. Owner Acun Ilicali had promised the trip following Saturday’s 1-0 Championship play-off final victory over Middlesbrough at Wembley, where Oli McBurnie’s injury-time winner secured the club’s return to the Premier League.

The squad boarded the private jet at Manchester but were held on the tarmac when a fault developed with the aircraft. According to a source, the players spent the delay eating pizza, beer and fried chicken while debating alternatives — including flying to Ibiza or catching a connecting flight from Liverpool — though they were anxious not to miss a pre-booked pool party. “They were pretty grumpy and unhappy,” the source said, “but were still having a bit of a laugh and smiled when posing for photos.”

After an unplanned stay at the DoubleTree by Hilton near the airport, the squad eventually departed for Las Vegas without changing their destination. Photos shared on social media showed players enjoying the private jet and drinks upon arrival. McBurnie, John Lundstram, Lewie Coyle, Matt Crooks, Joe Gelhardt, Semi Ajayi, Ryan Giles and Charlie Hughes were among those who made the trip.

Ilicali, who is celebrating separately with his family, was effusive about the squad after the Wembley win. “The players are the heroes. I have never seen so much belief in any team in my life,” he said. He also revealed that McBurnie had personally assured him of the result beforehand: “This week Oli came to me and said, ‘Mr Chairman, don’t worry, I will score and we will win.’ Afterwards he said to me, ‘I told you so.’”.

Manager Sergej Jakirovic opted out of the Las Vegas trip, choosing instead to return to Croatia. “This is a trip for the players. I will be with my family. They go to Vegas — you know what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas. This is not for me,” he said.

McBurnie’s winner, and the promotion it secured, is estimated to be worth around £200 million to the club through Premier League revenues.