Peterborough manager Darren Ferguson has defended his decision not to include Ashley Young’s 18-year-old son Tyler in his team’s FA Cup clash against Everton.
The Toffees beat the League One side 2-0 in the third round of the competition on Thursday night, with goals from Beto and Iliman Ndiaye being enough to secure victory.
The tie had generated a lot of attention as it pitted Everton star Ashley, 39, against Tyler, who plies his trade in Peterborough.
The Youngs hoped to make history, as no father and son had faced each other in 154 years of competition.
Both were named on the bench for the clash, as expectations of a dream meeting on the field grew before kick-off.
However, only Ashley was introduced, while Ferguson left Tyler as an unused substitute for the 90 minutes.
Darren Ferguson revealed why he didn’t bring 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, as no father and son have faced each other in 154 years of the competition.
Both Young were named on the bench, but while Ashley came on, Tyler was left unused.
And, speaking after the match, Ferguson opened up about why he didn’t introduce Tyler and revealed the angry reaction he had received from an Everton star.
“It was very difficult to leave Tyler on the bench but I had to do what was best for the team,” said Ferguson, son of iconic United manager Sir Alex. ‘At 1-0, I had to put in a striker.
“One of their players threw a pop at me that was out of character. “We are not a charity case.”
Ferguson’s decision is perhaps not surprising given that midfielder Tyler had only made one professional appearance before Thursday night, which was as a substitute during an EFL Trophy tie against Stevenage in October.
Meanwhile, he had not been part of the matchday squad in Peterborough’s last 14 matches before being selected on the bench for the clash against Everton.
Ferguson, who recognized Ashley on the pitch at full-time, had hinted at the possibility of the Youngs clashing in his pre-match press conference, although he had also warned there was a chance that would not happen.
“Tyler will be on the bench, although I can’t guarantee he will continue,” he confirmed on Wednesday. “I think the way the game plays out will determine that.
‘He’s a talented boy. He couldn’t have a better role model than his father, who is still playing at 40 years old. To achieve this, you have to do it every day. “He’s a great example for all my young players.”
Ferguson admitted it was difficult not to bring Tyler in, but said his team is “not a charity case.”
Ashley (center) said it would have been the highlight of her career playing against Tyler (green bib).
The father-son duo shared a touching hug at the end of Thursday’s match.
Despite the disappointment, Ashley and Tyler shared a touching moment before kick-off when they met on the Goodison Park pitch for a pre-match chat.
In the touching encounter, both Youngs could be seen smiling as they walked out of the tunnel together, before stopping to chat.
When the action began, the two substitutes warmed up on the touchline.
While stretching, they passed each other and Tyler was seen smiling as he took in the occasion.
After the match, the 39-year-old made sure to share another touching hug with his son.
He was seen saying a few words to Tyler while both Youngs looked a little devastated by the result, before applauding the fans still remaining inside Goodison Park and walking off the pitch together.
Meanwhile, Ashley and Tyler were interviewed on talkSPORT ahead of the game and the 39-year-old described what it would mean if they both arrived on 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 ever done. When the draw came out, I couldn’t believe it. I had no words.’
Ashley’s emotional comments came after her equally proud reaction following Tyler’s debut last year.
Taking to social media to share a series of photos from Tyler’s first professional appearance, she wrote: “Proud doesn’t even begin to explain this moment for you. Congratulations on your debut as a son and hopefully many more to come.