Peterborough manager Darren Ferguson has defended his decision not to bring on Ashley Young‘s son Tyler, 18, in his side’s FA Cup clash against Everton.
The Toffees beat the League One outfit 2-0 in the third round of the competition on Thursday night as goals from Beto and Iliman Ndiaye were enough to secure the victory.
The tie had generated much attention given it pitted Everton star Ashley, 39, against Tyler, who plies his trade for Peterborough.
The Youngs were hoping to make history given no father and son have played against each other in 154 years of the competition.
Both were named on the bench for the clash as expectations of a dream on-pitch reunion rose ahead of kick off.
However, only Ashley was introduced, while Tyler was left as an unused substitute by Ferguson throughout the 90 minutes.
Darren Ferguson revealed why he didn’t bring on Ashley Young’s son Tyler, 18, against Everton
The Youngs were hoping to make history in the FA Cup third round tie on Thursday night given no father and son have ever played against each other in 154 years of the competition
Both Youngs were named on the bench, but while Ashley came on, Tyler was left unused
And, speaking after the game, Ferguson opened up on why he didn’t introduce Tyler and revealed the angry reaction he had received from one Everton star.
‘It was very difficult to leave Tyler on the bench but I had to do what was best for the team,’ Ferguson, son of iconic United boss Sir Alex, said. ‘At 1-0, I had to get a forward on.
‘One of their players had a pop at me which was bang out of order. We are not a charity case.’
Ferguson’s decision is perhaps not surprising given midfielder Tyler had only made one professional appearance prior to Thursday night – which came as a substitute during an EFL Trophy tie against Stevenage in October.
Meanwhile, he hadn’t made the matchday squad in Peterborough’s last 14 games before being selected on the bench for the Everton clash.
Ferguson – who did acknowledge Ashley on the pitch at full-time – had teased the prospect of the Youngs coming up against each other at his pre-match press conference, although he had also warned there was a chance that it wouldn’t happen.
‘Tyler will be on the bench though I can’t guarantee he’s going to get on,’ he confirmed on Wednesday. ‘I think the way the game is going will determine that.
‘He’s a talented boy. He couldn’t have a better role model than his dad, still playing at nearly 40. To do that, you have to be at it every day. It is a great example for all my young players.’
Ferguson admitted it was tough to not bring Tyler on, but said his side are ‘not a charity case’
Ashley (centre) said it would have been his career highlight to play against Tyler (green bib)
The father and son duo did share a touching embrace at the end of Thursday’s encounter
Despite the disappointment, Ashley and Tyler still shared a touching moment ahead of kick off as they came together on the Goodison Park pitch for a pre-match chat.
In the heartwarming encounter, both Youngs could be seen smiling as they walked out of the tunnel together, before they stopped for a conversation.
When the action got underway, the two substitutes then warmed up on the touchline.
As they went through their stretches, they passed each other with Tyler seen grinning as he soaked up the occasion.
After the match, the 39-year-old made sure to share another heartwarming embrace with his son.
He was seen saying a few words to Tyler as both Youngs looked slightly gutted at the outcome, before they clapped the fans still left inside Goodison Park and walked off the pitch together.
Meanwhile, Ashley and Tyler had been interviewed on talkSPORT in the build-up to the game and the 39-year-old had outlined what it would mean if they both did make it onto the pitch together.
‘I’ve said for years that if there was any way we could play against each other, it would be the pinnacle of my career,’ he said.
‘It would eclipse anything I’ve done. When the draw came out, I just couldn’t believe it. I had no words.’
Ashley’s emotional comments came after his similarly proud reaction following Tyler’s debut last year.
Taking to social media to share a series of pictures of Tyler’s first professional appearance, he wrote: ‘Proud doesn’t even begin to explain this moment for you. Congrats on your debut son and hopefully many many more to come.’
