Robbie Lyle: Sports Personality | Full Q&A at The Oxford Union

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Robbie Lyle is the Founder and main Presenter of Arsenal Fan TV, a KZbin channel which now has over one billion views and is aimed at airing the opinions of real fans. The channel rose to fame during a debate about the future of former manager Arséne Wenger in the 2016-17 season. Since then, he has hosted Channel 4’s The Real Football Fan Show, as well as appearing as the subject of the ITV documentary Robbie Lyle: Football Fans Under Their Skin, in which he discusses racism within football and the experiences of black football supporters.
ABOUT THE OXFORD UNION SOCIETY: The Oxford Union is the world's most prestigious debating society, with an unparalleled reputation for bringing international guests and speakers to Oxford. Since 1823, the Union has been promoting debate and discussion not just in Oxford University, but across the globe.

[@AFTVmedia]

Thank you very much Oxford Union for this amazing opportunity. Hopefully I can see you guys again soon!

[@billydolton7252]

@AFTV - get some of the regulars on Oxford Union ???

[@billydolton7252]

@AFTV - please can u reply back to my KZbin comments that i post in all of your channel videos ???

[@sem8028]

someone whose had a massive influence on how social media in soccer relates with the fans - now even clubs are picking up the trait.Before we only got info from tv and radio sports related shows so you revolutionized media.Cheers Robbie see why you deserve the opportunity.

[@Vincent-jr3tr]

robbie im so happy

[@samo917]

I think you earnt it bro!

[@karljoshua3493]

The Don magnanimously teaching at a struggling inner city school like Oxford - such humility!

[@mcbold7967]

🤣😂😅🔥🎓📚

[@jamesbond4810]

I don't know which inner city college has a budget of over £2B/year😂😂

[@karljoshua3493]

@@jamesbond4810 Chump change for the Don, mate!

[@Dylan-em1zc]

lmao

[@fonsos13]

😂

[@blackmoney3333]

I'm in tears mate . Long live Don Robbie

[@samo917]

🎓

[@cloudsurfing3900]

The DON!

[@ajsmoth3509]

BIG UP DADA DON!

[@blackmoney3333]

@jimmy neutron nice one, but keep it to yourself mate.

[@ajsmoth3509]

@jimmy neutron 🤣😭💀

[@yewandeyo]

I still maintain that Robbie Lyle is vert very underrated. What he has done for football has meant that fans now have a say and can voice their opinions in ways they see fit. Think about allllllllll the fan channels for different teams around the world, they all have homage to pay to Robbie. And hearing him hear is amazing!!

[@deljay1840]

big facts

[@knopHDTV]

You know you re a great dude when people banter arsenal all the time but everyone loves robbie ♥

[@jamescarr4662]

Oh my good god..This 'underrated' youtube comments section fetish is out of control...It's comical...

[@alexbelotti1603]

Yeah troops and dt had a great say blud

[@Matthew-bu7fg]

his channel has led to: death, abuse, threats and racism. Disgusting channel.

[@jayjaydiamond4924]

As a Chelsea fan, I got to say massive respect to Rob, for what he has created. Plus, being a honoured guest speaker at Oxford Union. I hope you get more success in the future.

[@Mike-kt4qh]

Top man

[@chrisb6296]

Robbie is a true man of the people (for the people)

[@CEO786]

Chelscum

[@jayjaydiamond4924]

@@CEO786"Hey Brains, did you come up with that slur all by yourself"? 🤣🤣🤣

[@madaxwayne]

@@CEO786 we actually prefer chelski chelscum just doesnt have the same ring to it

[@nath-wp7xp]

The size of this W for Oxford is huge.

[@CoachNiklas]

Robbie Lyle is a great communicator and entrepreneur. I respect him immensely for his work at AFTV and getting the fan's more involved in football.

[@chrisb6296]

a great communicator who gives a voice to others

[@Matthew-bu7fg]

and allowing vulnerable people to be ridiculed on a large stage. What a legacy.

[@zaiyanilyas7750]

@@Matthew-bu7fg that’s the nature of social media… can’t blame him really 🤷🏾‍♂️

[@briannolan9176]

Never thought I’d see Rob at Oxford. AFTV made me an Arsenal fan and it’s great to see him get a chance to talk in this setting.

[@despisesimps5997]

You're probably one of those new Arteta fans.. No wonder why the club has fallen..

[@TommyDidads]

@@despisesimps5997 Yeah! We shouldn’t have any new fans. Just old ones! 🙄🤡

[@JJ-vl1we]

@@despisesimps5997 I've supported arsenal since 97 and I back Arteta at the moment

[@deldia]

@@despisesimps5997 yeah that makes sense doesn’t it?

[@anthonymcken6050]

They gave him the main hall as well wow! Only big named speakers get that.

[@youtubecommentator6757]

I’m a Utd fan but I’ve been a long admirer of Robbie media wise, for the doors he has opened for the generation after him. Again, another example of the fruits of labour you receive when you follow your dreams through

[@Doverbeach32]

Before AFTV fans did not have a voice or platform to express their views. With AFTV Robbie and his team have single handedly changed how fans around the world are able to interact with their chosen club. Arsenal Football Club have just returned from an extremely successful US tour, all three games were sold out and fan/club interaction was unprecedented. Without AFTV the fan base globally would not have the deep connection they have with the club as they do now. AFTV are global pioneers and are a voice for fans of every tongue and tribe all over the world. Robbie we salute you and wish you even more success.

[@TommyDidads]

Hear hear 👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾

[@Kabaselefh]

Facts 👏🏿🙌🏾✊🏿

[@deljay1840]

big facts

[@snkneo-geo933]

AFTV MADE ARSENAL A LAUGHING STOCK!!!

[@Ayo.Ajisafe]

Ever heard of Talk Sport? Football phone ins pre-date the internet. But kudos to AFTV.

[@ps5andstuffhere]

People forget what it was like before AFTV and football fan channels. It was good but this pushed football onto another level of entertainment

[@billywalendom]

deserved Warra guy

[@Matthew-bu7fg]

and led to death, abuse, threats and racism. What a legacy

[@eddyvideostar]

@@Matthew-bu7fg: Exactly. They are producing players too nervous about performing well, a la Manchester United, with their buck-making Silicon Valley sequelizing stipend-savvy Social Media manipulative talking-heads copulating their psyche and pounding the perineum of their players.

[@pescobar9296]

Robbie Lyle is AMAZING. His product is going to be a Billion pound asset. Especially because he is very smart about building a community. Well done Don Robbie.

[@cliffdobbs2891]

Fantastic Robbie big respect great achievement and plenty more for the future

[@Trezooo]

The Man, the Myth, the Legend, the Don!

[@StylistecS]

Wonderful that Robbie weathered that storm with a jealous few trying to end him a couple years back and since then, he has grown even more. I hope he continues to prosper and grow his brand.

[@eddyvideostar]

Dear Stylistecs: In what way did they try to "end him?" Please expound.

[@sayitasiseeit626]

Robbie is never arrogant or aggressive, he is a genuine nice guy and supporters of other teams have great respect for him and are very willing to talk to Robbie so rivalry is just that with Robbie, rivalry, not hatred or aggression and non Arsenal fans have great respect for Robbie cause he has respect for other teams and their fans and it works, brilliantly. good on ya Robbie (LFC fan).

[@AB-wr8vl]

Robbie should share this with other public speakers. Rational, balanced, intelligent and entertaining. Thoroughly enjoyed The Don!

[@101Jay]

Amazing to have Robbie on. A true pioneer, trailblazer & visionary. Keep up the hard work 🙌🏾

[@mrreality1187]

Well done Robbie good to see you get the platform and respect you deserve. You will go down as a true icon for not only the black community but for all who work hard to achieve great things in life!

[@emilocfc3641]

Im not even an Arsenal fan, but I really respect Robbie always fun, but also serious!

[@seabear3072]

So nice to see the Don give time to OU.

[@williamcarter3933]

What an absolute legend!

[@george22vify]

Goosebumps! Priceless words of a wisdom best said by a man, guaranteed to hit your soul. A legend in the flesh!

[@Michael-cm5uf]

I don't know and have never met Robbie personally but I'm so proud and happy for him for what he's achieved. His consistency like he said, his resilience, creativity are incredible

[@anthonymcken6050]

A lesson in reinventing yourself in life.

[@joshvinjohn7691]

Funny how few years ago hector bellerin slated aftv on the same forum now the man himself has been invited to a sit down brilliant to see, all the love to don Robbie he deserves this.

[@versastyledio]

He is bigger than Bellerin

[@meonly6471]

@@versastyledio Literally lool no longer eating beans and rice Now it's wagyu steak's.

[@Moonlightgraeme]

I’m not an arsenal fan but we’ll done Robbie, fantastic achievement.

[@agronbiba961]

Very well done Robbie! So so happy for you and AFTV! This is on a different level, very respectful intellectual level! Big big CONGRATULATIONS! I've been following AFTV from the very first days and I loved it from the first watch! This is our "The Arsenal" outside the football pitch! I wrote this and now I'm watching/listening with great interest! Robbie's success is AFTV's success and ultimately is our mutual success.... Success of our big Arsenal family ❤️ I'm glad that destiny elected you (out of all possible) to be The Chosen One to represent us all fans of "The Arsenal". Very dissent, humble, intelligent, family man, great friend, great in handling defeat and success, socially aware, politically correct, great knowledge of Arsenal FC.... Could not have happened to a better man! You've made us all proud! Congratulations! Great benchmark for AFTV! Love it!

[@TheMeloman79]

Well done Robbie. Thank you Oxford for giving him the opportunity to talk on your platform 😊

[@reuelerastus-obilo9283]

Robbie you are a true inspiration to all of us. I've learned so much from you and I respect your energy and drove so damn much. That fact that you built AFTV THEN built DR Sports and allowed people to have other platforms off of you is just incredible. Long may it continue!

[@danoku5582]

Robbie has taking Arsenal to a greater height around the Universe. Welldone Robbie

[@alx7800]

Don Robbie's made it to Oxford Union. Absolute legend.

[@osaroboehigiator345]

Great job Robbie. You have worked so hard for this moment. You continue to be an inspiration to many. May you continue to grow from strength to strength.

[@george22vify]

This was incredible to listen to. He described every memory in such great detail for a few seconds I closed my eyes and could see his story as a movie.

[@csandsoccer4660]

Just when I thought Robbie couldn’t get any bigger, this happens. This is just a whole new level of scenery… congrats and keep it up Robbie! Doing us Gunners proud 👏👏😎

[@Kabaselefh]

You made it bro, we are all proud of you ✊🏿 Don Robbie

[@srobinson35]

Spurs fan here but congratulations Robbie on this invite. Much respect to you!!

[@kanjilalkiriti]

Robbie man you are something special. You democratized football opinions and football media. You forced Sky to acknowledge you and the fans. You created an entire genre of content on KZbin. You are an all time great.

[@kagelevelofficial]

Spurs fan here! Super happy for Robbie. This sport brings us together, and makes us smile (and of course sad) - but we all experience the beauty of a rollercoaster that it is together. Don Robbie FTW 🙌🏽

[@rafanyu9240]

Man like Robbie you know Don't know the guy but so pride of his journey and where he's at right now

[@johngatome8581]

Respect for Robbie. Just goes to show how passion for what you love can create a super brand like AFTV

[@randalllewis6309]

I am impressed with Oxford Union being able to land the Don. I am sure they are grateful to Robbie to set aside time to sit down with them , what a truly generous gesture.

[@sm5970]

Whaaaaat! Finally, some recognition! Congratulations Mr Lyle! 🙏 The fans have always appreciated you brother. From an LFC fan.

[@MohamedMohamed-oc1cb]

Robbie embodies what he said in the end; consistency through out. A true Gunner changing the landscape.

[@MarleneEllis1]

A true and beautiful trailblazer! You're a lesson in being who you are and doing what you love.

[@F32Aidan]

Love seeing the growth of Robbie. Rivals used to mug him off but now he’s built and actual business and most everyone no matter the fanbase respects him

[@matthewdoyle3877]

So u think its respectable what he did to Claude????????????????//

[@Hrbl.]

@@matthewdoyle3877 Do you think what Claude said about Son is respectable? I'm an Arsenal fan and in no way shape or form is what Claude said respectable. Have some fucking morals and decency mate, costs nothing. Nobody at AFTV can be blamed for what happened with Claude, he made his choices with the words he chose. AFTV is a business, inclusive and diverse, shouldn't be any other way and should shut down any kind of discrimination regardless of who says it or what they choose to do in their life after they say or do anything.

[@F32Aidan]

@@Hrbl. Bang on

[@matthewdoyle3877]

@@F32Aidan Spastic Run along!!!!!!!

[@StratsRUs]

Sir Robbie Lyle , King Of Everywhere

[@diazromario7586]

After this heavy session, the university gave up ownership of the entire organisation to don Robbie. The don now owns oxford university. Also reports say they said to El donné himself, you have liberated us and we are honored to have heard you speak.

[@justlooking1087]

😂😂

[@___A6]

Huge respect to Robbie! Been watching all his videos since 2013. I still remember it was initially called ArsenalFanTV before the rebrand to AFTV and so many different guys on the videos. AFTV has come a long way and the craziest bit was Robbie still had a job while doing AFTV in the earlier years. He used to get back home so late due to the late interviews and long travels, and I remember when he decided to quit his job to do AFTV full time, I felt, wow, that's a huge risk! Since the channel wasn't that huge back then... But he came through it quite well. Increased the content, expanded the channel and now look where they are. It's an amazing journey. Also, this guy goes to every single game and follows Arsenal on every single tour all out of his own pocket... Incredible!

[@T0FFII]

Rebranded as AFTV because the club told them to remove the Arsenal from it 🤣🤣

[@___A6]

@@T0FFII Yeah, I think the main point of that was so that the club can sort of show that they are not affiliated with or supporting AFTV and that AFTV is a separated entity on its own which isn't a part of the football club "Arsenal FC".. Because it'll be easy to think "Arsenal Fan TV" is something that was initiated by and is a part of the football club "Arsenal FC" and then sort of hold "Arsenal FC" accountable for anything "Arsenal Fan TV" does... Arsenal were smart to make sure AFTV rebranded to sort of make sure there's a clear separation of AFTV and Arsenal Football Club and it worked well as some characters were quite vulgar (especially during the Wenger era), and at least one has ended up in prison. .. So imagine holding Arsenal FC accountable for the actions or opinions of such characters when they had nothing to do with it directly, y'know?

[@ronaldookpara644]

Don Robbie at Oxford

[@dipthongthathongthongthong9691]

Not even an Arsenal fan but I stumbled upon Robbie and AFTV and the hilarious cast of characters associated with it years ago and got hooked. It was analysis, comedy, melodrama, and of course, ANITA! 🤣

[@ekpen007]

Amazing interview. Cheers to Robbie…

[@didiotisi9042]

Don Robbie… much love for all the work you and the team do! Consistency is key

[@Colonelboereieney]

Real entrepreneur saw a gap in the market for fans. Now everyone is following his blueprint. Legend.

[@rocket9859]

Spot on. The number of clones out there are getting ridiculous.

[@2621270]

love Robbie!! so happy for him, most genuine fan channel. from a Man Utd fan, our channels are so partisan

[@calevy100]

Well done Robbie. This is something to be proud of

[@RichardLegend81]

Well Done Robbie. We are all proud of you

[@Tommy-gm7uo]

Great interview. Despite all the critics that Robbie has from this time at AFTV, I never doubted that he wants to see Arsenal succeed Regarding out Top 4 miss last season, I personally think the young squad learned more from missing out than they would have if they got Top 4. Don't get me wrong I would have much preferred us get Top 4 but this hard lesson will do them well and now they are another season older. This new experience coupled with the fantastic well thought out signings we have made makes me full of confidence in Arsenal this season.

[@yatesy117]

Ty couldn't be there as we mustn't forget it's been raining...

[@frantisekvtelensky820]

The Don at Oxford. You can't beat that! :)

[@sexysensation]

Maximum respect!

[@bongumusazondi8098]

Robbie, Liverpool fan here, Id like to congratulate you for what you have built. I think its safe to say it every football fans' dream to live off your favourite team. It's not even business, its a hobbie. I enjoy your shows, Biased Premier League Show and Invincible Podcast. Well done , wishing all the best for the future.

[@ziggi08able]

Yes Don. Haven't even watched it and I'm loving it already.

[@MrKingoverall]

Much love to you Robbie 👍👍, you opened doors for others to have similar platforms.

[@martinhill9261]

I met Robbie outside Wembley stadium two years ago when my team Harrogate Town won the National league play offs.A really lovely guy.

[@jamal1493]

Absolute legend

[@CR9Kid]

man united fan here. but ive been watching robbie and aftv for years. crazy to see how far he's gotten

[@bikramjitbiswas9478]

i am chelsea fan)- but let me say this is incredible- claude would be smiling from the heavens -

[@jonathankitonsa9346]

I had never imagined how much AFTV has elevated my love for Arsenal until now!

[@irielion3748]

You're kidding me? I like Robbie, like some elements of AFTV, but many elements / people / presenters / content is annoying. There is better content out there.

[@zfzt3064]

We are proud of you Robbie

[@drsomto007]

Wow , only legends come on this show, Robbie is a legend

[@simonmarie83]

Very refreshing to see the Oxford Union bring in Don Robbie as a speaker. You don't have to speak perfect English to demonstrate your intellect or business acumen. You don't need a PhD to gain respect. I don't always agree with the man, but I always have all the time in the world for him. Good job. Also very satisfying watching this after his UCL and Women's Euros predictions came to fruition. Next up, England men to win the 2022 World Cup.

[@DMG118]

A W so big I had to give a speech about it at Oxford. Well done, Bossman.

[@MARIOdeANGOLA]

Great interview session with Robbie Lyle! He's doing a great job on his KZbin Channel.

[@petermadash4488]

The Don, surveying his vast empire... epic.

[@drubbin9967]

The man is just exceptional, like goosebumps when he speaks. I look at supporters and think “yeah would they be my friend outside though?”, and I honestly feel like Don Robbie would be open to anyone at any time.

[@Thomasccanada]

as a saints fan i watch AFTV this man robbie is a scholar and a gent love all the content they put out

[@mrpotato442]

Robbie Lyle is now a "Sports Personality ". Delighted for him...have admired his business acumen and how he has held his own against the backlash from the establishment

[@UmidHasanov]

Giving speech at Oxford Union. Massive respect

[@Malabus73]

Who doesn't love Robbie, great guy.

[@alientube1984]

One of few people who keeps getting more famous and everyone is happy for him. The way he has been dealing with fame is very unique! I'm an Arsenal fan because of him!

[@jusukallon721]

Robbie is a genius! Impressive endeavor.

[@drinksnapple8997]

Atletico de Madrid fan. I got to say that I love watching Robbie's channel and respect tremendously his work in giving your every day fan (knowledgeable and idiot alike) a voice in the sport which they love. p.s. Check out Robbie in the suit!! Looking sharp!!!

[@keynesianeconomics4113]

Very gracious of the Don to give up his time for Oxford. A charitable man of the people!

[@user-uv6fz1he8y]

Proud of you Robbie!

[@wilfredjohnson6518]

This is really brilliant

[@damianalexis5664]

Great content as usual from the Don. Such an inspiration for everyone!

[@shiven1427]

The DON has changed sports media for the better, not just Arsenal but as a whole. Well done !

[@TerranceCrawfordsLazyEye]

How kind of the humble Don Robbie to take some time out of his busy schedule and spend time with us regular folk

[@fourfundamentals210]

An incredibly down to earth man who continued to give his time to students after the event in the Union bar. Took pictures with anyone who asked, asked others about their opinions, and happily spoke with the students about other aspects of his life and global football. All while grabbing a beer with everyone else. Lovely man, and hope the union invites him back some other day.

[@christophascherl5880]

Seems like a really good guy. Happy for him.

[@tejaskanagal5224]

"We are gonna do this" in Robbie's voice❤

[@sksohansanim602]

From the Arsenal fans all over the world...we are proud of you don .

[@danielmuliira5363]

Love Robbie. Even though we lose a game I look forward to AFTV reactions. I just love those videos

[@landoftheloops3]

don robbie in his gucci suit and rolex watch. he told everyone his suit is from burton mens wear, humble as always!

[@charltonronald9582]

Robbie...u have gone places...and u will go places...you and your AFTV team...all the best

[@kalandobrown8091]

Robbie is such an inspiration. God bless my brother. sky is the limit.

[@danielhatlang4206]

As a Chelsea fan, I really admire Robbie. Arsenal are very lucky to have him. He is the ultimate beacon of their fanbase.

[@slinkiegirl2001]

DON ROBBIE BEEN INVITED TO ELITE PLACES ROBBIE IS A LEGEND

[@murp8839]

Congratulations to Oxford union for managing to acquire 58 minutes of the Dons time

[@billwilliamdexter2300]

I love and respect Robbie Lyle for what he has done and has been doing for the best interest of soccer fans.This is a platform where soccer fans interest and passion has been transcended to another level where they came to realise that without their presence inclusively soccer as a game would be null and void.Thank you very much Robbie for this far sighted insight that you have created so that fans around the globe would grasp they are also an important part of this equation. Cheers...

[@vankai06]

United fan here. happy for him and AFTV