December 17th 2024.
Following Arsenal's disappointing 0-0 draw against Everton, Martin Odegaard found himself at the center of controversy on AFTV. The YouTube channel, formerly known as Arsenal Fan TV, came under fire after one of its contributors, Lee Judges, made a vile comment about the struggling midfielder. Gary Lineker, a well-known football pundit, was quick to condemn AFTV for their lack of support towards their own players.
The match against Everton was a missed opportunity for Arsenal, as they failed to capitalize on Liverpool's dropped points. Odegaard, who has been struggling with his form, was substituted after just 64 minutes by manager Mikel Arteta. Judges, in a distasteful remark, stated that he would have shot Odegaard if he had a gun. This sparked outrage among Arsenal fans, with one fan even calling for a formal complaint to be made against AFTV and Judges.
Lineker, on his podcast, shared his thoughts on AFTV and their negative impact on the players. He mentioned that he frequently comes across clips of fans viciously criticizing their own players on social media. The former footballer questioned how this could possibly help the team, especially when the players are giving their all every week. He also pointed out the difficulty of playing against a team that constantly defends and sits back.
AFTV, founded by Arsenal fan Robbie Lyle in 2012, has gained immense popularity over the years, with over 1.7 million subscribers on their YouTube channel. The platform features fan interviews, match previews and reviews, and discussions about players. However, their criticism towards their own players has been a cause for concern among the football community.
In contrast, Arteta defended his decision to substitute Odegaard and Declan Rice during the match against Everton. He explained that Rice was feeling discomfort and Odegaard was substituted tactically to change the rhythm of the game. The manager also acknowledged the risk of taking off the captain and the potential backlash if the substitute, Ethan, did not perform well.
In conclusion, while AFTV may have a large following, their negative and harmful comments towards their own players have come under scrutiny. Lineker, along with many others, believes that this type of criticism does not help the team in any way. Instead, it creates a toxic environment and adds pressure on the players, who are already giving their all on the field.
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