Joe Gelhardt’s last-gasp goal earned Hull a smash-and-grab 2-1 win at Stoke and saw them climb into the top six.

Sorba Thomas scored a first-half wonder goal to give Mark Robins’ side a deserved lead at the break, but, facing a third successive defeat, the Tigers battled back after half-time.

Defender Semi Ajayi scored a controversial 47th-minute equaliser before Gelhardt’s ninth goal of the season earned the visitors an unlikely three points.

The final whistle sparked a brawl between rival players, with a number of objects thrown onto the pitch by home fans before calm was restored and five yellow cards were shown by referee Leigh Doughty who booked five players, but Hull chief Sergej Jakirovic played down the incident.

Hull City and Stoke City players clash after the final whistle during the Sky Bet Championship match at the bet365 Stadium, Stoke. (Picture: PA)

placeholder image — Hull City and Stoke City players clash after the final whistle during the Sky Bet Championship match at the bet365 Stadium, Stoke. (Picture: PA)

“I don’t know what happened because I spoke with the Stoke City gaffer,” he said.

“We tried to split the players, but for me this is part of football. I think it is normal you celebrate a victory but I understand the fans and Stoke City players are angry because they lost the game, especially after the first half.

“This is not for the public,” he said of his half-time team-talk. “It must stay in the dressing room.

“But it was a nice chat. I was not angry, but if we continued to play like that we could go home immediately.

“I just prayed we went in at half-time just 1-0 down because we didn’t control anything. They were much better than us, so we agreed we needed to be on the front foot and have more pressure.

“The equalising goal was a big boost for us. And then the game was 50-50.”