Mr Allam said the police were "very sensible people" and "the situation is moving in our favour".

BBC: Hull City hopes to resolve Huddersfield ticket row

Muslims in Italy and elsewhere have called Mr Allam a provocateur and chided Pope Benedict for abetting him.

ECONOMIST: Islam and apostasy: In death's shadow | The

"We see our role as bringing financial stability to the club, " said Allam.

BBC: Hull City agree takeover with ?150m local businessman

Assem Allam said staff at Hull had been talking to West Yorkshire Police.

BBC: Hull City hopes to resolve Huddersfield ticket row

The villain, personified by Roger Allam, turns out to represent big business: an interesting choice of target for a major motion picture.

NEWYORKER: Speed Racer

Speaking to BBC Radio Humberside, Allam explained the reasons behind his takeover.

BBC: Hull City agree takeover with ?150m local businessman

"Improving relations with Iran will establish Egypt's leading role in the region and set a balance between the Sunni-Shiite religious presence, " Allam said.

CNN: Egyptian president to visit Iran

But given that many of Italy's Muslims are converts (and beneficiaries of Europe's tolerance), Mr Allam says his critics are hypocrites, denying him a liberty which they themselves have enjoyed.

ECONOMIST: Islam and apostasy: In death's shadow | The

Radio 4's comedy series Cabin Pressure, featuring Benedict Cumberbatch and Roger Allam, has been nominated for best radio programme along with James Joyce's Ulysses, a Radio 4 dramatisation to mark Bloomsday, the day in June when the book's events take place.

BBC: Pulp's Jarvis Cocker up for best radio broadcaster