Darren Ferguson defends decision not to bring on Ashley Young’s son Tyler, 18, in FA Cup tie to deny them history – as Peterborough boss slams an Everton star for ‘having a pop’ at him

Peterborough manager Darren Ferguson has defended his decision not to use Ashley Young’s son Tyler, 18, in his side’s FA Cup match against Everton.

The Toffees defeated the League One team 2-0 in the third round of the competition on Thursday evening, after goals from Beto and Iliman Ndiaye were enough to secure victory.

The draw had generated a lot of attention as Everton star Ashley, 39, took on Tyler, who plies his trade at Peterborough.

The Youngs hoped to make history, as father and son have not played against each other in the 154 years of the league.

Both were named on the bench for the match as expectations of a dream reunion on the pitch continued to rise before kick-off.

However, only Ashley was introduced, with Tyler left as an unused substitute by Ferguson throughout the 90 minutes.

The Youngs were hoping to make history in the third round of the FA Cup on Thursday evening, as father and son have never played against each other in the 154 years of the competition.

Both Youngs were named to the bench, but while Ashley came on, Tyler remained unused

And after the match, Ferguson opened up about why he didn’t propose to Tyler and revealed the angry response he 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 boss Sir Alex. ‘At 1-0 I had to come forward.

‘One of their players gave me a blow that was wrong. We are not a charity case.”

Ferguson’s decision is perhaps unsurprising given midfielder Tyler made just one professional appearance on Thursday evening, and that was as a substitute during an EFL Trophy match against Stevenage in October.

Meanwhile, he was not part of the matchday squad in Peterborough’s last fourteen matches before being selected on the bench for the match against Everton.

Ferguson – who did recognize Ashley on the pitch at full-time – had teased the prospect of the Youngs meeting 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 match goes will determine that.

‘He’s a talented boy. He couldn’t have had a better role model than his father, who is still playing at almost forty. To do that, you have to work on it every day. It’s a great example for all my young players.”

Ferguson admitted it was difficult not to sign Tyler, but said his side is ‘not a charity case’

Ashley (center) said playing against Tyler (green bib) would have been his career highlight

The father and son duo shared a touching embrace at the end of Thursday’s meeting

Despite the disappointment, Ashley and Tyler still shared a touching moment ahead of kick-off as they gathered on the Goodison Park pitch for a pre-match chat.

During the heartwarming encounter, both Youngs were seen smiling as they walked out of the tunnel together, before stopping for a chat.

As the action started, the two substitutes warmed up on the sidelines.

As they went through their parts, they passed each other, Tyler grinning as he took in the occasion.

After the match, the 39-year-old made sure to share another heartwarming hug with his son.

He was seen saying a few words to Tyler as both Youngs looked somewhat upset at the outcome, before clapping the fans remaining at Goodison Park and leaving the pitch together.

Meanwhile, Ashley and Tyler had been interviewed on talkSPORT in the build-up to the match and the 39-year-old had outlined what it would mean if they both took the field together.

“I’ve been saying for years that if we could somehow play against each other, it would be the highlight of my career,” he said.

‘It would overshadow everything I’ve done. When the draw was announced, I just couldn’t believe it. I had no words.’

Ashley’s emotional comments came after his similarly proud response following Tyler’s debut last year.

On social media, he shared a series of photos from Tyler’s first professional gig, writing, “Pride doesn’t even begin to explain this moment. Congratulations on your debut son and hopefully many more to come.”