Hull City team bus has window smashed in hours before Championship play-off final

Southampton expelled from Championship play-off final

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GB NEWS

Lewis Henderson

By Lewis Henderson


Published: 23/05/2026

- 13:41

Updated: 23/05/2026

- 14:26

Stones and bottles are understood to have been thrown at the coach

Hull City's team bus has had a window smashed in ahead of the Championship play-off final.

The bus was targeted as it made its way to the hotel where Hull players are staying after objects were thrown in its direction.


Some stones and bottles are understood to have hit the vehicle, according to Sky Sports, with glass having to be removed from the exterior of the window.

The damage has not left the bus out of action, with Hull City players boarding the vehicle as they make their way to Wembley.

Hull City team bus

Hull's team bus had a window smashed in as it made its way to pick up the players

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SKYSPORTS

Hull are set to take on Middlesbrough at Wembley in arguably the most-talked-about play-off final in recent memory.

The Tigers captain, Lewie Coyle, is hoping to lead his side back to the Premier League.

Speaking ahead of the contest, Hull's skipper honed in on his father as his inspiration, who suddenly died in June 2022.

He explained it is the perfect opportunity to show his gratitude to his inspirational dad.

Lewie Coyle

Lewie Coyle shared that the play-off final is the perfect opportunity to show his gratitude to his father

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PA

Coyle said: "He'd be proud. I want to share this with him, wherever he is, if he is looking down - I'm sure he is. That's what I sort of cling onto.

"You can probably see how uncomfortable I get thinking about it, but it's just my way of honouring him.

"I have absolutely everything to thank him for, and I owe him absolutely everything.

"I think this [play-off final] will probably be the closest chance I have to finally be able to say 'thank you' and honour him."

Hull City

Hull are set to play Middlesbrough in the play-off final

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GETTY

The Coyle family will be at Wembley supporting the Hull captain, except for professional golfer Joe, who is on what Lewie described as a "bucket list" golf trip.

The Tigers skipper said: "I can't be angry with him [about it]. If I wasn't at Wembley, I'd be there with him.

"Everyone will be there, all my loved ones, and that's the sort of really, really nice thing for me, to be able to share it with the ones that are there for you, no matter what.

"Football, and sport in general, can be a very up-and-down industry, so the ones that are there for you, day in, day out, no matter what, that's what it's about for me."

Championship play-off final trophy

The contest is arguably the most talked-about play-off final in recent memory

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GETTY

Hull beat Millwall in the semi-final second leg to secure their spot at Wembley, with Coyle saying that the squad has "let all the noise and distractions look after themselves".

He said: "We have no control over it, we just stay focused.

"Full focus to the game on Saturday, and we've got a chance to realise our dreams.

"There are no excuses on our end, there never will be. I wouldn't allow that."