Hull City's players have finally made it to Las Vegas for a trip of a lifetime, paid for by the club's owner, after their Championship play-off final celebrations were delayed by aeroplane issues. The Tigers were promised a trip to the party city by owner Acun Ilicali following their victory over Middlesbrough at Wembley, but the journey did not go as planned initially.
Delayed Departure
Oli McBurnie's injury-time winner on Saturday secured Hull's promotion to the Premier League, earning the club an estimated £200 million. The squad has been celebrating ever since, with the Vegas trip as the highlight. Ilicali arranged a private jet to fly the players to the gambling capital, but a technical fault caused a delay. The squad became stuck at Manchester Airport on Thursday and were forced to stay at a nearby hotel.
A source told The Sun: "They were on the private plane and there was an issue. They were on the tarmac for a few hours. They were saying it was important they did not miss a pre-booked Vegas pool party while others suggested flying to Ibiza instead."
The source added: "They had some beer, pizza and fried chicken while they were discussing what to do with some suggesting trying to fly to Vegas from Liverpool. They were still having a bit of a laugh and smiled when they were posing for photos but were pretty grumpy and unhappy."
Finally in Vegas
After an unwanted stay at the DoubleTree by Hilton, the squad eventually made it to Vegas without changing their destination. Photos shared on social media show players enjoying the luxury of the private jet and drinks in Vegas. Among those on the trip are McBurnie, John Lundstram, Lewie Coyle, Matt Crooks, Joe Gelhardt, Semi Ajayi, Ryan Giles, and Charlie Hughes.
Hull owner Acun Ilicali said after the Wembley win: "The players are the heroes. I have never seen so much belief in any team in my life. I've just told them, don't worry, Las Vegas is on! I'm not in the party. I will celebrate with my family, my daughters and my wife."
He added: "This week Oli McBurnie 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 chose not to join the players, opting for a quieter celebration. "This is a trip for the players. I will be with my family in Croatia. We have a beautiful coast there," Jakirovic said. "They go to Vegas. You know what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas. This is not for me."
