AFTV host Robbie Lyle has told Arsenal legend Ray Parlour he’s “talking rubbish” after commenting that the fan channel wants the Gunners to lose.
Arsenal, along with five other Premier League clubs, announced on Sunday evening their plans to be founder members of a new European Super League.
The response from supporters and the wider footballing world was almost completely negative to the extent that, by Tuesday evening, Arsenal – as well as Chelsea, Liverpool, Manchester City, Manchester United and Tottenham – withdrew from the process.
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Although Arsenal apologised to their supporters in a statement confirming they had quit the project, the wedge between fans and the club’s owners had already grown larger.
There are now protests planned against Stan Kroenke to take place outside the Emirates Stadium ahead of the Everton clash.
But director Josh Kroenke, son of owner Stan, claims Kroenke Sports & Entertainment have no plans to sell the club despite the backlash.
When asked if they were ready to sell the club, Kroenke said: “We have big plans to invest, we have plans, we want to be great again, but a long term model does not support long term high investment. No intention of selling.”
And Lyle clashed with Parlour on the radio on Friday over his YouTube channel’s coverage of the club with the AFTV host wanting Kroenke to sell the club.
“I want rid of the owners,” Lyle told talkSPORT.
“For me it goes deeper than just a season on the pitch, it’s the way they look after the club. I don’t trust them anymore. Now the trust is completely gone, I just don’t trust them with the future of Arsenal football club. This is beyond our performances on the pitch.
“His only ambition is to make money. For years and years we saw that their only aim was to get into the top four, because the Champions League gets them money. They have never had any ambition to win things.”
Parlour asked Lyle: “Robbie what’s your reaction when certain fans say – and I’m probably one of them – that Arsenal Fan TV want Arsenal to lose because you get more hits on YouTube?
“Because, what it is, all the rival fans want to see Arsenal fans having a meltdown after we lose a game… sometimes it’s a bit of an embarrassment to look at it.
“As an Arsenal fan I want them to win every game, but I think sometimes you look at it and think, ‘if we lose we’re going to get more hits this week and make more money’!”
To which Lyle replied: “What’s this got to do what we’re talking about? Ray, with all due respect, you’re talking rubbish!
“I want my team to win absolutely every game and I know you’re very close to the club and maybe you find it very difficult to speak out on this situation…”
Parlour then asked: “Honest question Robbie. Did you get more hits this week because Arsenal are having a nightmare?”
Lyle said: “Have talkSPORT had a lot more hits? You’re asking some ridiculous questions, Ray!
“Are talkSPORT, are Sky Sports and all these broadcasters going to get more hits because what has gone on with the Super League? It’s a good talking point!”
Parlour responded: “But most of your followers are from other teams. I bet you have more followers who are Tottenham fans than Arsenal fans…”
Lyle: “Oh, you’re talking absolute rubbish, Ray.
“This is the problem, you’re trying to protect your job at Arsenal instead of talking about a very serious thing, the owners of our clubs and various other clubs trying to sell out a history, the fans and even the players of these clubs. And you’re asking me about hits? It’s nothing to do with hits, this is about Arsenal Football Club, a club that I love…”
Parlour: “Oh come on Robbie, you love it when they lose as well. I’ve seen your videos when you lose and everyone’s having a meltdown…”
Lyle: “Have you seen it when we win? What is this?! I’m sorry, but you’re so out of touch, Ray. You’re so out of touch is unbelievable.
“I respect you as a player, you were a great, great player for Arsenal but listen, you need to understand this is bigger than hits, wins or losses, this is about our football club that is being ruined by the owners who don’t care and this week they proved that.”
Parlour: “We’re a bit of a laughing stock because of your channel. People crack up when they see you all going mad.
“Robbie, I’m so pleased you’re doing well, don’t get me wrong, it’s all about business and all about making money, and good luck to you.”
Lyle: “You sound like Stan Kroenke – ‘it’s all about business and making money’.”
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