Arsenal legend Ray Parlour and AFTV host Robbie Lyle have heated debate over Stan Kroenke protests and fan channel’s coverage of the club

Arsenal legend Ray Parlour and AFTV host Robbie Lyle were involved in a heated debate on talkSPORT on Friday morning, as they clashed on air over the fan-run YouTube channel’s coverage of the club.

Popular Gooner Robbie joined the talkSPORT Breakfast show to offer his verdict on Thursday’s hostile Arsenal fan forum, which saw Josh Kroenke grilled over his father, Stan’s, ownership in a week that saw the collapse of the European Super League.

AFTV

AFTV host Robbie Lyle joined talkSPORT on Friday and got in a heated argument with Invincible Parlour

Hated owner Stan Kroenke has already faced heavy criticism for the elitist league and only made things worse as fans accused him of ‘hiding’ by sending his son to face supporters’ anger in his place.

Robbie was part of the fan forum on Thursday afternoon, which was held over Zoom.

But when he offered his verdict on the meeting and the future of owner Kroenke, he entered into a verbal sparring match with Parlour after the Arsenal ‘Invincible’ accused AFTV of benefiting from the chaos at the Emirates Stadium.

“I want rid of the owners,” the AFTV founder and host began on 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.

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Arsenal supporters made it clear they want Kroenke out at their fan forum, but the Americans have no plans to sell the north London club

“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.”

Ray then asked: “Robbie what’s your reaction when certain fans say – and I’m probably one of them – that Arsenal Fan TV wants 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’!”

Robbie: “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…”

talkSPORT

Ray Parlour quizzed Robbie Lyle about AFTV’s ’embarrassing’ coverage of Arsenal

Ray: “Honest question Robbie. Did you get more hits this week because Arsenal are having a nightmare?”

Robbie: “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!”

Ray: “But most of your followers are from other teams. I bet you have more followers who are Tottenham fans than Arsenal fans…”

Robbie: “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…”

Ray: “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…”

Robbie: “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.”

Ray: “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.”

Robbie: “You sound like Stan Kroenke – ‘it’s all about business and making money’.”

The debate sparked a huge reaction online, with even Manchester United legend Rio Ferdinand responding on Twitter.

And he admitted he couldn’t side with fellow ex-pro Parlour…

You can listen to their heated debate IN FULL in the video above