BBC presenter Gary Lineker has condemned popular Arsenal fan channel AFTV following a string of vile comments from certain fans aimed at the players.
Lineker appeared to be shocked by some of the recent viral posts, including one disgusting criticism directed at captain Martin Odegaard.
Although the Match of the Day host did not specifically mention the individual or the social media post, he expressed his concern that some clips from the YouTube channel had crossed into "vicious" territory following Arsenal's 0-0 draw with Everton earlier this month.
During the match, Arsenal struggled to break down Everton's defense, and the result was seen as two points dropped in their title battle with Liverpool and Chelsea. One AFTV regular, Lee Judges, was particularly frustrated with Odegaard's recent form as he was substituted after 64 minutes against the struggling Toffees.
On The Rest is Football podcast, Lineker discussed the channel, which has over 1.7million subscribers on YouTube and has garnered significant media attention. He told co-hosts Alan Shearer and Micah Richards that brutal comments like the ones he heard would not aid the team in their pursuit of a first Premier League title since 2004.
In one disturbing remark, Judges said he "would've shot" Odegaard if he "had a gun" after the Everton match. While Lineker did not directly reference this comment, his criticism of AFTV's content suggests that such language has no place in the world of football fandom.
"Do you ever see that Arsenal TV thing?" Lineker asked, before noting: "Sometimes I get clips come up on Instagram or whatever, and goodness me, some of the fans were laying into their players.
Gary Lineker
Lineker was flabbergasted at the criticism Arsenal fielded from fans after their draw against Everton (Image: @therestisfootball/Youtube)
"You think, crikey, like viciously, it was horrible. I don't know how they think that's going to help if you're slaughtering your own players to that degree.
"Especially when they're clearly giving everything week in, week out. It's not easy playing against a team [Everton] that sits with 10 men behind the ball for the entire game."
Founded by Robbie Lyle in 2012, AFTV has become a massive platform for football fans, even attracting attention from rival supporters who enjoy watching Arsenal fans' reactions to disappointing results.
Robbie Lyle interviewing Lee Judges for AFTV
Lee Judges was particularly scathing in his criticism of Martin Odegaard (Image: AFTV)
Despite recent successes for Arsenal, including consecutive wins over Crystal Palace in the Carabao Cup quarter-finals and a resounding 5-1 victory in the league, they've been dealt a blow with Bukayo Saka's injury. The England international limped off in the first half of their league win over the Eagles.
Gunners boss Mikel Arteta has confirmed the unfortunate news, stating: "It's not looking good, he's going to be out for many weeks." The north London side will now have to cope without the talented winger, starting with their upcoming match against Ipswich Town this Friday.
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Arsenal Manager Mikel Arteta, Bukayo Saka, Martin Odegaard and Gabriel Jesus with the Arsenal Therapy Dog Win during the Arsenal Men's team group shoot at London Colney on September 18, 2023
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