The Controversial Rise and Fall of Arsenal Fan TV (AFTV)

[@Joelinton1892]

Rip Claude, you could see he was a real fan.

[@dannyblad3863]

absolute legend

[@Vizeh]

Rest In Peace, I wish he could see what Arsenal are doing now

[@ScottishMackemGaming]

One of my favourites on Aftv enjoyed listening to the funniest rants he's said on the channel

[@tsb1208]

Totally agree despite the fact I’m a Man Utd fan

[@alichiverton3930]

😂

[@ybnalex9628]

As a Mexican fan aftv really helped me understand and get a closer look into Arsenal and English football culture. Keep up the good work vizeh

[@Vizeh]

That's fantastic to hear!

[@DanoFSmith-yc9tg]

Same experience for me, but from Canada.

[@jacksonboyd02]

Same boat I’m American and it really helped me!

[@jonfisify]

A huevo wey

[@jasonbsharps2328]

Can you say the time period you we're watching aftv

[@dominicthelordkabinga]

As an Arsenal I think AFTV was genuine in how they expressed themselves. They reflected the anger that the fans were feeling at the time, although I feel the “the Wenger out” phase was a bit extreme even though I myself wanted Wenger to step down for years. Watching AFTV after an infuriating loss made me feel better because I knew I wasn’t crazy. The fact that the actual Arsenal board, Edu and players acknowledge Robbie tells you something

[@Vizeh]

Good point about watching them may make you feel better about your own feelings towards the team, there’s many interviews that was done each week too

[@fearrainbows9137]

Aftv hasn't fallen off. You let them start losing again

[@johnnyd1790]

Robbie's a great guy. The man had an idea to live off commentating and participating to his favorite football club's life, he makes money out of his passion, he made his passion his very profitable work by connecting the fans world wide. The man's a legend.

[@Vizeh]

He worked hard for many years before the success too, he did 2-3 seasons before it had proper success

[@johnnyd1790]

@Vizeh yep, saw that after I posted my comment. That's why he was slimmer a decade ago lol. Nothing but respect.

[@goodftoest]

Nah he done Claude dirty, Robbie’s ruthless. Two-faced

[@zziicckk01]

@@goodftoest- Agreed. Not only Claude, but Moh as well. Once the money started coming in, he became Robbie the “money grubbing” back stabber.

[@2kd327]

@@goodftoesthe did Moh dirty as well. And was scared to let Moh support palestine on his channel.

[@rishabh3150]

despite all controversies... AFTV will be remembered as one of the greatest UK you tube channels ever... the lockdown watch alongs lifted them to the iconic status...😂😂 I will never forget the Brighton and Tottenham games... they had the OP lineup.. DT, Troopz, Claude, Ty, Lee Judges and Robbie...

[@Vizeh]

Spot On!

[@MRJB5523]

The line-up for those 2 games resembled Pep's Barca

[@isaz597]

Am I missing something. The channel still exist. Is it closing down or getting cancelled?

[@darthvader3465]

The current lineup is like Banter Era Man United, no personalities there. The OG 6 was unrivalled, unfortunately Claude is dead, DT is in the pen and Troopz went across the Atlantic

[@MRJB5523]

@@darthvader3465 DT is free and creating content fam yunnastan?

[@gingergreek]

Great vid however there was one huge omission that I find criminal you left out. That is that AFTV was the catalyst to the explosion of fan channels that upset the balance of power that was held by legacy media (sports radio shows, sky, bbc etc). For years they were the gatekeepers to football and never really gave fans a voice. Talk Sport was worse for just baiting and getting negative reactions by fans, rather than a platform to let people just talk about the club. The main reasons the papers and media went after AFTV was because of jealousy that they were getting way more views and fans were allowed to be as brutally honest about the club with no restrictions. They (legacy media) did everything to try and smear and undermine and destroy fan channels (even the United Stand) and the end what happened? They bowed down and now have personalities from these channels on their stations and channels. Robbie broke the stranglehold legacy media had on football and allowed fans to have a voice. Arsenal was so badly run Kroenke, yet idiots blamed AFTV for Arsenal doing poorly. They're not thanking AFTV now that Arsenal are top of the league though are they? This is exactly how the elites rule over us, by blaming your fellow sufferer and creating division whilst they continue to rule over you. Well, what happened at Arsenal? The Kroenkes were forced to act and got rid of Wenger and a lot of garbage backroom staff (Gazidis thankfully left) and now we have restructured and rebuilt the club for the modern era and are building a better future. It wouldn't have happened if it wasn't for the AFTV and the protests. It's important to state how much of an impact fan channels have had in football and AFTV kickstarted it all.

[@Vizeh]

I covered it briefly when it came to how mainstream media looked down on them but you are not wrong

[@kissg6734]

You shoulda made a video instead

[@MD_ENTERTAINMENT]

I think a lot of youtubers would rather see AFTV fail than give it credit for giving voices to the fans and other youtubers. I am almost sure this KZbinrs wouldn't have his platform if Robbie hadn't created AFTV

[@devon7771]

You have to be an absolute fucking madman to think AFTV should be thanked for Arsenal being top of the league. Not so long ago you had Troopz printing out ArtetaOut t-shirts plus yelling and swearing for Arteta to “fucking leave my club”

[@Leehuss5582]

I agree wholeartley with you Ginger, AFTV was and IS the catalyst that made the higher ups start noticing the club. This season Edu was appproached by Robbie and Cecial abs had a warm informative exchange No other club would take or give their fans notice, unless its money at ticketstands. Peace..

[@Alex-xn2pj]

I think the way we have played this season has really shown that AFTV (at least now) are being genuine with their reactions on games. If you ignore the memes that came out of Troopz, Ty and DT, AFTV is just a group of really passionate fans talking about the club they love which is why i still very much enjoy their content. Football youtube wouldn't be the same without them.

[@Vizeh]

If I were an Arsenal fan I would love the content they are making now

[@rayandinho978]

Ty OP

[@enomfonsammy5646]

⁠@@Vizehas an arsenal fan I love the content now and before, because it's real, whether it hurt feelings or not, it was real

[@adamwallis3235]

Shame Claude couldn't see this season isn't it

[@r6liam657]

I'm no arsenal fan i used to watch aftv to laugh but I'll say one thing there was some absolute idiots on that channel but Claude wasn't one I liked Claude and agreed with his opinions and it is a shame he didn't get to see arsenal like this now

[@playboicarlos]

I’ve been supporting Arsenal since 2012/2013, and finding Arsenal fan tv has allowed me to be part of the club I love watching along with finding a community of others who love football.. Thank u Robbie

[@Vizeh]

That’s amazing that!

[@unlockedaccount]

same

[@playboicarlos]

@The Nightman Nemeth I like where AFTV is at right now

[@5FT6MAN]

same

[@belsthegreat]

RIP Claude, if any fan deserves the success that the club has it's probably Claude. He really wanted the best for the club and although some of his rants were outlandish he truly deserves this Arsenal team

[@Vizeh]

I have the same feeling my friend

[@kanervatie]

Well . . . that did not age well

[@tooblack1478]

I fell out of love with football for a while but AFTV brought that passion back for me. Without Robbie a lot of football content channels wouldn’t exist. Even probably this one.

[@dynamikshotz9307]

Same...

[@Vizeh]

That’s fantastic man!

[@MD_ENTERTAINMENT]

Rise and fall? I am a United fan, but even I can see that it keeps expanding. It's a massive platform that now includes the Don Robbie channel or DR Sports. That man is a genius, he is even now collaborating with "Expression oozing" to create "The Best Of Enemies." I know some people want to see it fail, but it won't because, like I said, he is a genius, he created opportunities and give voices to the match going fans while entertaining the viewers

[@Vizeh]

As I said, Fall is due to the controverisies they had, mainly by DT their main member of the channel being sent to Prison. I respect the direction they've gone in now

[@deeznoots6241]

Tbf they’re less fun to watch when Arsenal are doing well

[@urbz100]

@@Vizeh I don’t really think downfall is the word. Scandals happens all the time if anything aftv have cut ties and with Dt and I think it was handled pretty well. Like my man said it’s always gonna expand.

[@AndyLowe-net]

@@Vizeh how is that a fall? He did something in his personal life and he got immediately dropped by AFTV. Just admit your video title is pure clickbait

[@radityapoerwanto7018]

Lets be honest. The word "Fall" is a clickbait

[@heyfuego]

RIP to Claude man. I might not be an Arsenal fan but I wish he could see how well they’re doing right now.

[@tkSZN04]

as an american arsenal fan i have got to respect robbie for what he's done for us fans. even when we were in the dumps during lockdown football, he still had a way of uploading entertaining content during those times. hopefully we can this season on a high note

[@josepha8415]

AFTV hasn't fallen. Don Robbie is doing better than ever.

[@Vizeh]

By fall, I mean the controversies that surrounded AFTV as I go into the video, if you watch it I respect AFTV alot and the direction it's gone into now

[@piusokwu3560]

​@@Vizeh AFTV didn't change direction, ARSENAL FC did . Opinions are shaped by atmosphere at a club at any time. The club is in good shape now, hence why people think classic aftv is gone.

[@arsenalunsungplays5188]

The title says arsenal fan tv, not AFTV. They are not the ‘same’ channel.

[@SayberV1]

Joseph A the entertainment value is NOT the same anymore it's golden period is long gone and dead with the likes of Troopz gone to Barstool, Claude passing away, and DT permanently banned, alongside other members no longer there. Only TY is left from the golden 'banter era'

[@steveparadox1]

😂😅

[@welcome2football]

Prime AFTV was so iconic😂

[@Vizeh]

The GOAT's man

[@raps7287]

Being an Arsenal fan all the way from South Africa, this is the only way I can be close to the fan base. The channel makes me feel at home through both the good and bad times. Its a family, families aren't always sunshine and rainbows.

[@ezenwaikechukwu4244]

I never understood the hate AFTV was getting from fans and radio station like talksports.

[@khaledsalem9218]

What I don't like about these guys is that they never give credit to PL winners especially MANCHESTER CITY. they always discredit them .

[@johanfurtado6887]

Personally I don’t think AFTV have completely fallen. Robbie Cecil and the rest are still doing a great job and figures like Ty Turkish and Lee are still there. AFTV helped me understand English football culture and I’ll forever be grateful to them for that. Having said that, yes, views have dipped a bit due to view magnets like DT Troopz Claude (RIP) and Moh not being there anymore. I have a wild wish to see all of them on AFTV at some point in the future, as they made the channel what it is today

[@Vizeh]

I reason why Fall is in the title us due to the controversies surround it that harmed it’s reputation, such as DT going to prison

[@riofarai6928]

@@Vizehthey still healthy to me even since DT left lol 😂so don't get it to be honest the quality of their videos and content is way better now plus the reason they not as viral because Arsenal are winning it goes hand in hand with how Arsenal perform

[@johanfurtado6887]

@@Vizeh fair man. I agree with you on that. Great video for real!

[@johanfurtado6887]

@@stevecheevers7337 Yes you're right, but personally I feel that AFTV could do both, have a lot of money coming in through sponsorships as well as have ppl like DT & Troopz. I would even argue that with view magnets like them, they're likely to get EVEN MORE sponsorships 🥲, inspite of what they're like off camera. Moh is a completely different ball game though, cause his departure was more political than behavioral, and (not saying it's right or wrong) companies may not (and allegedly did not) want to sponsor content in that sort of climate.

[@nathanb286]

AFTV will always have a place in my heart just from the sheer amount of memes that have come out of the channel

[@Vizeh]

We mustn’t forget it’s been raining

[@MLamporio]

At first, I didn't really like them, but they grew on me. I'm from Brazil and have never been to the UK, so watching their videos brings me closer to the club and the fans in a way. Plus transfer daily videos are a always a part of my day during transfer windows

[@MazzaProductions2019]

This new deep dive style of content is so good, keep them coming bro

[@Vizeh]

Thank you my bro

[@lewisdunne1799]

as an arsenal fan i will never forget how AFTV treated wenger towards the end the things they said about him were straight up criminal for a guy who built what arsenal are in the prem era and has giving us all our history. Aswell, the average arsenal fan is not the same as the average AFTV character and its how rival fans banter us. While i hate what they did to wenger and how they portray the arsenal community however i stay watch them today just so i can see other happy arsenal fans on our good form rn

[@Vizeh]

I do understand how it's hard for some Arsenal fans to forgive what they used to represent to the club, good to see that you still keep up to date and give them a chance however

[@BjørjaBear]

Opposition fans loved it then, I think the channel is much better now.

[@piusokwu3560]

It suprises me how people like you can be so stupid. How hard is it to understand that Aftv is a platform for ALL ARSENAL FANS (both positive and negative) to air their opinion. Common sense should tell you that fans opinion is always shaped by the atmosphere at the club at any particular time. The atmosphere during Wenger's last years was toxic, hence why so many fans opinion on Aftv were negative. This is just statistics and common sense. Do you expect aftv to start sensoring fans opinion? Have you watched the channel recently?

[@lewisdunne1799]

@@Vizeh in fairness the last year AFTV has been much better, thanks vizeh

[@jayq856]

@@lewisdunne1799 because wenger stayed far too long? u want arsenal to be a big club u have to move on from managers not keep them their when things have gone to shit and when the whole club had gone downhill on & off the pitch. footballs a results business. the whole fanbse wants to challenge for the league every season. wenger also started the ‘top 4 is a trophy’ narrative which still infects football to this day. i respect him as a manager but he shouldve left a few years after we stopped challenging for major honours.

[@silverheart7964]

I remember the group of fans a few years ago that tried to cause trouble with AFTV. Basically an anti-AFTV group that brought banners to games wanting them "out of our club" and tried starting fights with Robbie and the crew. I could never understand how people could think they were the problem. AFTV was always a place for passionate fans that were reacting to what was happening in the club. Arsenal's problem started long before AFTV was around. It came at a time when fans had had enough and gave them a voice. Some,like Ty,are completely delusional. Some like DT were...aggressive and controversial. But they were still fans who got their voices heard,no matter how mental. And that was exactly what needed to be done at a dark time in the club's history. The fans needed to be heard,and I think Arteta and the players have 100% seen AFTV more than they let on over the years,and I think it may have played a role in the "standards" Arteta talks about. These standards are simply to always give your best performance,leave nothing on the pitch and apply yourself every game. Which is all the fans ever wanted.

[@Vizeh]

I don’t agree at all with the Anti AFTV Group at all, nothing gets solved with Violence. Their platform was for any fan to have their voice heard which is what it should be all about

[@paulie-g]

No, obviously a fan channel isn't the start of a problem, but they can be a strong contributor to perpetuating the problem. When the team is doing poorly, confidence is low and everything is falling apart, the last thing a club, a team, or a player need is unhinged negativity from nutcases being showcased every week. Obviously fans are passionate people and a rant can happen here and there, but AFTV was built around them and I defy anyone to tell me it improved the atmosphere around the club. Fundamentally, the quality of the support a club has shows up not when things are going well, but when things are going badly. Take a look at Liverpool fan media, whether Redmen or TAW, and note the difference. There's a reason some clubs suffered without fans in the stadium during Covid and some flourished. Plenty has been said about fans being the 12th man and whatnot, but much less has been said about the effect of toxic atmospheres around clubs.

[@silverheart7964]

@@paulie-g I agree that it never made the atmosphere better,but I think you can't turn a blind eye when things are going wrong. Those fans wanted accountability that they hadn't seen for years. The difference between AFTV and the Liverpool ones now, is that Arsenal had gone about 12/13 years with no title by the time AFTV became popular. Liverpool fans are still fairly content because they got to a CL last season and won the league in 2020. Give them another 10 years with no trophy and you'll see AFTV "banter era" all over again. Even some of them now are calling for Klopp to go,which of course is ridiculous,but fans have the right to speak their mind,whether you think they deserve it or not. You have to accept that there are lots of different kinds of people out there that love their club and they deserve a voice,even if they are a bit "mad". If you pick and choose,and exclude the "nutcases" as you put it,then you're saying "we won't listen to you because you're weird or different". It comes with the territory. At the end of the day,nobody HAS to listen to it. Put putting it out there is what AFTV was made to do. It's not that much different from the idiots on Talksport spouting nonsense about Arsenal and any other club they don't have an affilliation with,even stilll. Fan channels are essentially serve the same purpose,love it or hate it,it has a right to exist.

[@paulie-g]

@@silverheart7964 Then don't compare with now, compare with the Hicks/Gilette/Hodgson era when we were a whisker away from administration. I'm all for giving fans a voice and sweeping away the gatekeeping stranglehold old media had on football commentary. Fan channels are fantastic, the rise of technical analysis by individual creators and bigger outfits like Tifo that absolutely wipe the floor with what old media does (yes, even MNF) is amazing. Just watched an excellent in-depth analysis of how Napoli play with Osimhen, how ManU play under Ten Hag, and why Osimhen might not be an ideal fit by a small one-man channel that is heads above anything you'd see on telly or in the papers. This is all great. However, we want to live in a civilised society. This means we have to discourage certain behaviours. AFTV booted Claude off because of the racial slur, even though it's pretty likely that Claude wasn't an actual racist - he just reached for the meanest thing that popped into his head (in the same way oppo fans who abused Terry for his mum's sexual escapades weren't actual Puritans). Since they've done that, clearly they think there are *some* things that they don't want to put on air, because normalising them would have unacceptable consequences to society. And they continued to keep Claude off even recorded content (that could be edited and so ensured it couldn't happen again) for this momentary lapse because having him back on would send the wrong signal that this sort of thing wasn't a big deal. So we've established that there *are* behaviours, even though they may be 'natural', 'just happen in a fanbase from time to time', and 'an authentic expression of a passionate fan', that are so undesirable that they must not be given a platform. If that is the case, then I have to wonder why the line is drawn there and not a bit further. It's not about criticism, even impassioned criticism, or profanity, with which I'm perfectly at home. It's about creating a culture where over the top knee-jerk abuse is not the exception but the rule. I think it's terrible and it has spoiled my enjoyment of supporter discussion. Yes, Talksport is horrid as well.

[@MrSmith1984]

​@@paulie-g At the end of the day however, if Footballers, Coaches, Board Directors & Owners cannot meet the expectations of those who support the club they are involved with, then the solution is quite simple...meet those expectations instead. Because at the end of the day the vast majority of Football Fans are compelled to stick to the club they have supported for all their lives, as if it's a marriage you cannot get a divorce over. That's why it's entirely fair game to for fans demand high expectations in the first place, even if it creates a more negative atmosphere.

[@jacksonboyd02]

As an American fan who played the sport for 17 years but never watched it much aftv helped me show the culture of the clubs fan bases and really helped me get to know and understand the squad! I don’t think they mean any harm to Arsenal.

[@Vizeh]

That’s fantastic!

[@jacksonboyd02]

@@Vizeh the way u are liking and replying to the comments is very commendable videos keep getting better and better 🙌

[@Vizeh]

@@jacksonboyd02 I think it’s important to reply back to comments so that viewers don’t think they are taking to a wall, important for a community I feel

[@jacksonboyd02]

@@Vizeh thats awesome man! Its part of something you do that separates you from others!! Last thing from me a cool video idea for you could be a deep dive into the Liverpool Nottingham Forest F.A cup tragedy. Maybe out it in a iceberg vid! Regardless keep up the great work

[@PR-li3xm]

The Fall What u talking aby As an Arsenal fan I now just check the match reactions It became the True Arsenal Fan TV Before it was just opponent fans bantering us

[@Vizeh]

By the Fall I mean the controversies that it had, for example DT who was the most popular member of their channel going to Prison. In the video I say how much I respect AFTV for what is does now

[@PR-li3xm]

@@Vizeh ok I just started watching the video Well Great Going with the new style of content u are publishing right now 👍🤩

[@waffles6211]

American Arsenal fan here! AFTV has great content! I’m a huge fan of them and respect all they have done. Their content really helped me deal with Arsenal’s banter era.

[@mahlonstrachan8075]

Jamaican living in USA...AFTV is my first go to Chanel for Arsenal news and updates

[@TJA100]

I think all the rumours that they wanted Arsenal to lose were stupid, as an Arsenal fan I’m cussing and swearing about everything they were as well just that i dont have a camera on me. I still watch aftv and curtis shaw tv

[@SB-qv9td]

Exactly, Some ppl just view things differently. As an Arsenal a fan I've seen some shitty games and terrible players.

[@DADnLAD.Racing]

This is a really interesting subject. I love the idea of getting true fan reactions in the immediate aftermath of a result. Controversies will always happen with concepts such as this. I have never watched AFTV, but the main guys speech about making money... Just a guy trying to make a living from doing something he loves. Really enjoyed this. The deep dives you are doing have been well presented, down the middle, giving all perspectives. Have a subscriber!!

[@Vizeh]

Thank you for being here Chris! Grateful that you enjoy them!

[@MeDeChamp]

I remember all the “Arsenal FanTv and Chill” comments after every lost.. I would watch them after all the football was done. Fun times. I wish Claude was still with us, I would’ve love to see him react to this season. Hopefully Arsenal can win it for him.

[@JJ-pz4gv]

As an Arsenal fan I really used to watch them way back in the day, and while they still had some crazy takes it was overall more balanced. I can't deny the sheer quantity of prime iconic clips they made. Nowadays I didn't even remember they existed till this video.

[@Vizeh]

I think that could be now a good thing, that the main people watching them are arsenal fans and that's how it should be really

[@JJ-pz4gv]

@@Vizeh yeah, thats prob a good way to look at it. I remember fans from other clubs just flocked to those videos when we lost. Love the new video format man, Keep it up :)

[@brandonayong5823]

There's an Italian KZbin channel called "Gabboman". It's 2 roma fans and those guys make aftv look like big brother. Everything comes from the heart. The joy is always pure. They almost never rage but when they do it's sincere. They are always balanced and most importantly the main content is debate about how the club is doing on a daily with very clever arguments and observations and lots of empathy to their followers. England should really have more channels like that. I feel like laurence mckenna on his channel is the closest to that

[@footballhipstertv]

I'm the furthest from an Arsenal fan but I'm a massive fan of Aftv and what Robbie built it into today. Although I think it can get toxic at the best of times, its always important to have the unfiltered fan perspective on such a global scale, gives fans worldwide a perspective on the view of fans that can actually visit the stadium and experience it with their own eyes

[@alfiel123]

I’ve met robbie, troopz and kelechi after a few matches and honestly they’re so sound, open to chatting about arsenal, always down to take photos and they’re just football fans at the end of the day with opinions. I’ve always loved AFTV. Just because they had different opinions at the time they didn’t deserve the treatment they got from our fans.

[@trademark-io1nz]

It’s not even a fall as much as it millions of opposing fans no longer interested because Arsenal is doing so well and the content is positive and wholesome again. AFTV will always survive because what it means to the fans. This channel really kept me sane during the pandemic s/o the Don

[@adamwillis679]

AFTV mainstreamed football fan channels but im 99% sure Redmen were the first as they were created during the H&G era of the club.

[@Vizeh]

I’ve been told that it could be very well true, I hope they don’t kick off at me lol

[@fadwa6852]

As an arsenal fan and a pure lover of football i feel that robbie lyle should be given knighthood for what hes achieved for football fans around the globe as hes made the public voice matter and opened up the game to the world whereas before it was only select players, managers and pundits/media that really had there say and at the end of the day you can clown the people on aftv and try crucify the channel for some of the things relating to the faces on the channel but they really are just regular people that speak in front of a camera on what theyre passionate about so people like DT having troubes of the show shouldnt impact aftv as hes just a regular person and they dont need to be professional cause its just for the fans by the fans but other fanbases can mock it but they have all copied it aswell sooo...

[@Chall1]

I got to work with Robbie about three years ago on my channel, speaking about previous matches between our clubs; Arsenal and Doncaster Rovers. It was great working with a huge channel for the first time at that point and the guy is a humble man who gave his time for me to speak on my channel. Doing match reports and gaining recognition on matchdays home and away at Doncaster from fans was because of Robbie Lyle and his appearance on my channel.

[@jonisilk]

This is the second video I've already seen this year that insists AFTV was the first fan channel, when Redmen were around well before them, during the Hicks/Gillett ownership that we forced out. Really disappointing that nobody actually bothers doing the research to get the facts right. It's only a minor detail, but it grates with me as much as listening to an American talk about WWII starting in 1941

[@jonisilk]

In fact, they were a full 2 years before AFTV, and helped pave the way for them AND the rest that followed. About time someone started putting respect on Paul Machin and Chris Pajak.

[@rogersmith9535]

AFTV is non-stop entertainment.

[@Vizeh]

It was class

[@danjackson1016]

I didn't realise they'd fallen. They still appear in my recommended alot. I don't watch them but they're there.

[@Outplays_]

You don't watch them because we are doing good now.

[@danjackson1016]

@@Outplays_ False. I never watched them when we were bad. This year I watched a couple of watch alongs when I couldn't watch the match for whatever reason so I've seen more of them this year than ever before.

[@Jester-611]

I find these investagations to be really really enjoyable, keep it up.

[@Vizeh]

Thank you mate!

[@doni8407]

So many iconic clips in that intro 💀😂

[@Vizeh]

The GOAT of the industry

[@kaidenhall2718]

@@Vizeh first person to reply to a comment on this video

[@nithilanamudhan6260]

I am surprised he missed the 'Maupay you are a cheat. i wish brighton get relegated' clip

[@CJSteib]

2:30 "iiin-...terested" Is he overdoing the YT voice ppl do or what is going on fr??

[@JamJam24111]

Robbie always been a gentleman, originally I thought it was a good show until it turned toxic asf but as things at arsenal got better, the content has massively improved It's the best its ever been rn imo

[@Vizeh]

I agree it's much better now

[@ibrahimmustafa2549]

@@sandboxplayerz667Their views are lowest because Troopz and DT left

[@scottgodlewski306]

As an Arsenal supporter in the States, AFTV let’s me stay connected to the club in a more personal way than just reading articles.

[@chrisgoldfingertv]

CONGRATULATIONS TO ROBBIE AND AFTV. Dreams do become reality

[@lerevofficial4683]

Arsenal fan TV the realest fan tv ever...There will always be haters..Football is a very emotional game

[@Juiceman390]

What a fucking ride this era of Arsenal was. Being an Arsenal fan was so tiring back then 😂

[@Vizeh]

The Banter era was a rough time man

[@ChickenMusiala]

I love this deep dive type content you're uploading. Keep up the great content

[@Vizeh]

Appreciate the love MV

[@charliegabriel7431]

I'm from Malaysia, I enjoy watching AFTV because of they interview varieties of interesting fans with their opinion. However more I watch the more I realise it's more reactive rather then a calm assessment of the situation. I guess it's pretty hard especially when Arsenal just lost a game and they are being interview after the game outside the stadium and emotions are still running high. As i always prefer Arseblog and Arsenal vision podcast due to thee calm nature and analytical view, i realIse AFTV is heading at this direction as well, more on analysis and less controversial figures would help, such as DT. But hey, it's all easy when Arsenal is winning. And let's hope it's that way

[@brianbethel9673]

Funny how people will go on about Claudes racist incident, but will completely ignore Troopz racist incident from the same stream.

[@qwiksniper]

Arsenal fan from the US since 2003. I have felt so much over the years supporting the club and I am glad to have AFTV for so many years because getting excited over the ozil signing on your own isnt the most fun but when you see in practically real time the same or opposite reaction you had to the news it drives the bond with the team even further. I fell in love with the club because it has always stayed trtue to its valuses and plays beautifully, no fosil football play only to win but play to win and win beautifully like nowadays and highbury days. even through the dark wenger years he kept us afloat with substandard budget. AFTV helped vent frustrations after loses and added to the joy of big wins. Arteta has embraced the fruits of AFTV and has pointed the ship in the right direction. I have made the pilgrimage and have watched Arsenal play irl, lost to manu at home 3-1. I was in the nosebleeds and was yelling at the match, I was hushed by ushers, "is this a library? are you tottenham in disguise?" this would not happen to me now...Im glad for it. AFTV has had a huge part to do with getting that place nice and loud. Robbie is going to need a statue at the ground even if he was never directly involved or bankrolled by Arsenal directly.

[@clintstewart5545]

plastic

[@qwiksniper]

@@clintstewart5545 your boyfriend bbl is plastic

[@granitxhaka7261]

Claude represented many fans of our Club, more than you can believe 🙏

[@itsyourboyn2311]

Aftv is not only about the after game fan interviews. Robbie and his team are doing great by bringing in various content. They have box to box, tactical show etc. for foreign fans, aftv has helped understand the football culture in a bwtter way. They also participate in fund raise and awareness programs. Love AFTV.

[@JohnnyMaverik]

The moral of the story is that if you watch something and you don't like it, stop watching it. If you do that and you find the thing is still popular, accept that sometimes you just don't like the popular thing and move on with your life.

[@Nemz]

I never understood how AFTV were made culpable to the state of the club. Give anybody passion, a platform, and a different character to the next person, what you get is a different personality every time. Accepting this is accepting that so long as there is no barrier to entry, it means that you can have literally any personality on the platform go viral. That virality is not dictated by the involved party but by the audience. Sure they are involved but they play a small part. Given this paradigm, how can someone arrive at the conclusion that AFTV is the source of negativity around the club like the concept of negativity brewing in terrible times for football was a novel concept spawned by AFTV? If anything the club were to blame. You are literally the catalyst for majority of what fans feel. Its quite simple really, win relentlessly and lose sensibly, and AFTV (at least in that form) doesn't exist. This concept of blindly positive and passionate supporting fans as a whole doesn't exist. Why Talk Sport couldn't see the irony was baffling.

[@yonthasillah]

It's indeed our time to celebrate, over the past years it's has been really disheartening to be an Arsenal fan but yet I still remain a die hard Arsenal fan from Sierra Leone.

[@Vizeh]

That’s great to hear man!

[@walterdavies2984]

AFTV didn’t fall. Arsenal winning now so rival fans can’t go on there to get a laugh. Keep coping and cry more. Now it just real arsenal fans that watch AFTV

[@sirfearabush3220]

Claude was rightfully banned absolutely disgusting behaviour and considering the main host Robbie is black this kind of thing will hit hard for Robbie as he’ll undoubtedly have dealt with a lot of racism

[@ferngully8010]

was it Robbie that allowed all the offensive and disrespectful abuse towards Mr Wenger by his fan tv, aftv crew. For a man that helped to set arsenal fc on top internationally, the most successful manager of Arsenal FC. he deserved better.

[@poppyharlow4448]

The worst part is during the whole Wenger thing, while the chants telling him to go were a bit overkill, he was echoing what everyone else was thinking but too afraid to say, but those very same people pretended he was the enemy when they thought the same thing.

[@tondomazimba9512]

Title is redundant because AFTV has evolved and grown from strength to strength 💪🏿

[@viciouso1234]

anyone who had an idea to live out a dream wouldn’t stop for no one. Robbie bringing the commentary we need this championship season.

[@arsenalfirst145]

RIP CLAUDE he loved The Arsenal more than anything ❤

[@GH0STPROD1GY]

3 minutes into the video an as an American Arsenal fan I love aft and have been watching them for around a decade, they really cleaned up the cast I believe and now I honestly believe they are very tactically insightful as well as entertaining.

[@FBIwecomingforyou]

Vizeh has really revived his channel keep posting bangers

[@Vizeh]

Legend!

[@Agtsmirnoff]

I still go back and watch the old “it’s been raining” AFTV vid once in a while when I need a good laugh 😂

[@justarsenal1480]

What on earth this dude talking about. This channel still huge today, even bigger.

[@stevebandit1964]

AFTV is more popular than ever now with a restructuring process having taken place with new younger presenters and the tech side of the channel is well polished ..

[@mak00ileven]

what fall? AFTV is still live and kicking, Don Robbie has is second channel DR sports, thats kicking too. AFTV is the Pioneer of all Fan channels on KZbin.

[@danielrossetto8094]

Great video. AFTV nourishes many Arsenal fans including me. Instead of getting only sanitised views through official club channels and the mainstream media (which are also important, don’t get me wrong), all of a sudden you could listen to real fans. The reason AFTV has become so popular is because it is properly authentic. It remains so even today. New members like Stricto, Helen, Dan Potts and Julian deserve a big mention as do James and Cecil as hosts. The AFTV tour of Nigeria and the Chengdu branch were special highlights because they showed engagement with the global fan base, who love the club as much as those in north London. I met Robbie, Troopz and Ty outside the stadium a couple of times and was as star struck as I had been meeting first team players. One criticism was how AFTV got into Unai Emery, who was punished for one bad month, October 2019. That was also the month Granit Xhaka threw his shirt down against Crystal Palace at home after being substituted.

[@BjørjaBear]

I actually think AFTV is much better now than it ever was. I can understand opposition fans loved it when we were shit.....

[@Daveanoncomedy]

Video actually starts at 4:00 if you want to skip the boring intro and ads

[@KremBotop]

The Wegner Out era was so wild...

[@Vizeh]

Truly insane

[@3mielu88]

Ingnoring AFTV is the best way for an Arsenal fan.

[@benisthebest4115]

Love Arsenalfantv… even when we sucked it was good to hear someone echoing my opinions and the team was shit so you can’t blame the fans for complaining about it

[@YummoWickersham]

I really like these new types of videos. You remind me of the SunnyV2 of football and British KZbin.

[@highbury10]

I can't in good conscience say that AFTV have been an embarrassment. They have accurately reflected the mood of the Arsenal fan base.

[@HiimFieldy]

i ain't watched this yet but to say they've fell is a bit of a reach, he has 100s of employees a second channel that's booming and get over 7k concurrent viewers with donations constantly. they just don't get viral 3 minute vids cause we as a club aren't in shambles now and other fans don't want to watch our happy fans obvs

[@Tadaia]

Change for the fans sake often doesn't just happen on its own, especially where there's money involved. Some fans may not have liked AFTV highlighting fan malcontent, but I think that additional pressure on the board and front office certainly helped to make things happen for the better.

[@EmperorDraconianIV]

You don't have to take a crap on other content creators to make a buzz for yourself. AFTV is not perfect but they don't deserve this

[@danquixote6072]

Listened to the Invincibles podcast today walking through the hills in Castilla La Mancha. Two guys, Robbie and Lee chatting about their team, the present, the past and the future. The women's team too.

[@farahomar1620]

Arsenal afv for life! I Love it since the start Robbie 💪💪💪

[@Kristoph-69-69]

AFTV grew into a media empire. DR sports is killing it right now.

[@ssduo5574]

They started winning too much, that's the real reason

[@Kristoph-69-69]

Paul Merson and Alan Smith have also supported AFTV and the fans. Love that.

[@vincentvestlund5124]

Shoutout to Mikel for uniting the fanbase❤

[@cluckingbell1772]

By winning fcuk all for 3 years

[@43nduscott]

Really really wish Claude could have seen what Arteta was doing to the club now. RIP Claude.

[@Mstarfracture]

The reason AFTV have turnt more positive is because they’re basically turning into like any main stream media. They’ve gone very inoffensive and try to bring on fans who offer a more professional image whilst also bringing in influencers from other spaces. They’ve just changed their direction from clickbait outrage and asking provoking questions to long term success by being more brand friendly. Shows a lot because they’ve got closer to Arsenal FC (friends with edu) and on sky sports programmes like overlap and numerous different brand deals which are much more lucrative than if they were very uncensored and in your face like they used to be. Shows why some members have basically been exiled, they’re a business and if you don’t fit their mould or image, you’re probably not gonna be a regular feature. But that’s business I suppose

[@stevecheevers7337]

People forget now that people are making a living from this channel and I'm sure they got to answer to sponsors and other media stuff. It just can't ever be what it was at the beginning, it's outgrown what it once was. Robbie has a staff to pay and pay his own bills, I'm sure the likes of James, Turkish and Cecil aren't doing this for free. Turkish has a bit of D.T and Troopz about him, but he tows the line better with it then those two would. He's a great presenter too. Cecil has a ton of connections in the football world, he got the David Dein interview for example. James as you said is perfect example of professional image. Someone like Lee Judges and Ty, are more fan friendly and brand friendly versions of D.T and Troopz, although Judges can give it if Arsenal underperform. And AFTV get to go to more swanky events in recent times then they once did. In terms of the exile of old faces, I can totally understand D.T one, even if they weren't making big money or answering to sponsors. You just couldn't have him on the channel anymore. Moh, one is debatable but I don't think he's a big loss to them either way. Troopz, shows how big AFTV are when he got signed up to Barstool. Although I think it shows how well Robbie used him on AFTV, that he's just not as fun on his new venture imo. Claude, that sucked but that's the one that really showed AFTV is now a big business when they let him go, although I can understand why. Lee Gunner, was a case of someone who used AFTV (people forget it was AFTV that made him) to build up his own brand, even if you don't like him I'm surprised no one else did it especially during AFTV peak years. And you could mention a few others too. AFTV definitely has a more professional sheen to it, and I can understand why the likes of Mark Goldbridge has overlapped them in recent times in terms of success. But it couldn't last on it's early years before it got boring, it needed to mix things up over time. And it has. For better or worse it's all up to matter of opinion.

[@Mstarfracture]

@@stevecheevers7337 I like Turkish, I think he’s a good guy and doesn’t have any characteristics of a DT about him. DT situation I put in a box of its own because it’s a legal thing rather than a “it doesn’t suit our image” thing. I’m talking about loads of characters who have sort of disappeared over the years without explanation. Hard to think top of my head but it’s no surprise characters like James, Cecil, Harvey, Turkish, Gooner Lee, Helen, Pippa etc are all at the forefront of the channel, it’s because they’re very brand friendly, well spoken, articulate people who also represent a wide demographic of arsenals fan base. They’re absolutely paid by Robbie but I don’t think that’s ever been a secret, maybe unsaid but no ones time is free so it’s good they’re getting paid. You’re right though, it’s almost impossible to not evolve into a more professional, squeaky clean brand who like to keep all audiences happy (steering away from political statements etc) so they can make as much money as possible. If they had the same model as they did when they started out, they’d either be making way less money than they could’ve or they’d be a dead channel like plenty other fan channels because it gets boring when things don’t change. Same with any form of media.

[@filiphovland2462]

AFTV is a channel I'll never fully respect, outside of the many talented people who started out there as creators. I can absolutely see a world where AFTV wouldn't exist and the "banter" era would end a lot faster

[@mgradiant]

Dude, thank you for this. I knew that Gary Neville had beef with Arsenal fans, but I had no idea of the context about it. I really appreciate you sharing about KZbin football culture over in the UK as of late, Liam. Keep up the good work, man!

[@YoiAmGucci]

An Arsenal fan here for what its worth and I've never been embarrassed by AFTV because its a platform where fans share their opinions. I've found many fans embarrassing or saying quite clearly dumb stuff but its no different (exception from Ty) to what I've heard in pubs, at games, twitter or whatsapp group chats - by the same token all of those would be classed as embarrassing. I don't see the channel as fallen at all just its created a saturated market and the better performances from Arsenal this season means less rival fans are interested in our games. The videos from the Leeds win will likely only have Arsenal fans viewing it, if we had lost 4-1 however the views would likely be ten fold. Just taking a look at the AFTV viewing figures and the result is a huge factor. We beat Bournemouth with the last kick of the game and the views are sky high - natural. Arsenal fans just wanted to see everything and anything online about a 97th minute winner and likely binged the channel. Some of the lowest views was a 4-0 win over Everton. Gonna be honest I didn't watch any of those videos vs. Everton and I'd be amazed rival fans would bother to click. Man City 3-1 loss is big views but its a big game coupled with a loss so two dynamics. 1-0 loss to Everton and the views are higher than normal as rival fans pile in with the popcorn. The channel ultimately does better during bad times, losses and meltdowns. No different to any other fan channels. But Robbie and the AFTV are Arsenal fans, they don't have any affect on the result. After games the passions run high and most fans want to vent; hilarious to rival fans. They go game after game, they travel all over the world to do it and were loyal fans before the success of AFTV. Robbie does a lot with smaller channels and appears he doesn't charge for this; often I am surprised at the size of the channels he goes on which will always mostly benefit that channel as opposed to his own. So the idea that he is all about the money is just wrong. Its a business so of course it makes sense to have Turkish and LeeJudges on as they attract the most views currently but if they are the most viewed then clearly that is who the fans want to hear from the most... So its what the fans of AFTV want to watch and as a by-product its good for the channel. Win, Lose or Draw Robbie is there with the mic. Completely agree with the TalkSport analysis - They are cringe beyond measure. RIP to Claude. He wasn't a bad guy but he did say a bad thing and his apology felt authentic. No matter how this season ends its a shame he never got to see the hope we now have in our football club. Really enjoyed the video hence the lengthy response! I finally subscribed! Wall art looks sick. Up the Clarets for next season in the Prem! Interviewed by Don Robbie after one of the games - make it happen world.

[@DJVm4GOD1]

It actually makes me happy to see them still going strong today, I actually enjoy listening to their content as honestly. If it weren't for AFTV, I doubt I would've ever found Robbie, as I really do enjoy his content, much like a fair number of people on the channel. I do feel like, those who just say they only used the negatives to get over, don't really look into it too much, as if they didn't do the proper research like you have here. It's not Robbie or AFTV's fault that the negative reactions at the time were the ones pulling the weight. People are naturally drawn to that kind of content.

[@senseii9]

As an Arsenal fan who’s seen aftv from near the beginning to now this is a good video with decent opinions of your own. Good work. I don’t watch them anymore but they’ve gave me plenty of memories over the years.

[@kobayashik3820]

So why call this the rise AND FALL??? silly title

[@FatLeonard84]

This is the first I've heard about AFTV in years, surprised their still going

[@sabelomalinga8086]

if your assumption that AFTV pioneered the fan yt channel market then I'm glad they did Because without them there wouldn't be United stand, which is, as a united fan, great content to consume besides the 90 min of watching my club

[@AKUNJIG]

As a Chelsea Supporter I've admired & respected AFTV for years and watched them heavily when they lost 😂. They even visited Atlanta for a Match there. I've been Interviewed Twice by AFTV (at Crystal Palace and Orlando in 2022). They're Heroes for giving Fans a Voice. Lee tried to snipe at me by calling that Chelsea 4-0 loss to Arsenal at Orlando was a Roasting. Clapped back with "We can Talk about that 4-1 Baku".

[@LickyTee]

I'm a united fan but I love aftv