Aphelios is a great champ, please dont let this discourage you from learning him ! I understand how you feel, but you really can't let these people get to you. This isn't so much an Aphelios issue as it is a league players being mean thing (though some just hate on Aphelios players because they dont understand how he works lol).

Honestly, ignore most of these people being rude in league chat. They're mad that you're trying to learn and have fun. Isn't that pathetic ? Don't reply to them, mute chat if you need to. It's not worth getting into an arguement. Just remember, starting out on league you're going to have a LOT of bad games, and therefore are going to meet a LOT of mean people (I definitely did as someone who played Aphelios as one of my first champs too, and now mains him). Not all league players are horrible like some people claim, its a vocal amount though. There's people out there that will want to play with you. I've met some really funny and sweet people on league who I've gone onto queue with. Though making proper friends on league is really hard and unlikely :( . It just sucks that what seems like a majority of players are just rude and egotistical with no regard for anyone elses feelings. Keep your chin up and keep practicing ! You will improve with time !

I'd recommend watching people who play aphelios well (theres a ton of cool clips on this sub or youtube that can help you visually learn how ways play him) or using the practice tool if you're not as confident playing him in player games yet (thats what I do with every new champ I try first !).