Darren Ferguson confronted by ‘bang out of order’ Everton star as Ashley Young ‘gutted’
Tyler Young was an unused substitute in Peterborough’s 2-0 loss to Everton in the FA Cup on Thursday night, with Darren Ferguson’s decision not to bring him on prompting a backlash
Peterborough‘s manager Darren Ferguson has revealed he faced criticism from an unnamed Everton player for not bringing on young midfielder Tyler Young during their 2-0 FA Cup defeat.
The 18-year-old could have made history by playing against his father, Ashley, if he had been brought off the bench. However, despite the potential for a historic moment, Ferguson chose to make other substitutions in an attempt to turn the game around.
This decision sparked debate on social media, even seeing Ashley vent his frustration on X, writing: ” GUTTED……” Ferguson’s decision also even drew criticism from another one of Peterborough’s opponents.
“It was very difficult to leave Tyler on the bench but I’ve got to do what I think is best for the team,” said Ferguson when asked about his decision.
“As much as I wanted Tyler to get on, if the game had been 2-0 at that point I would’ve put him on, but at 1-0, I had to get a forward on. I’ve got to try and get something out of the game and do what is best for my team.”
He also expressed his displeasure at the criticism from the Everton player, stating: “One of their players had a pop at me which was bang out of order. We are not a charity case.”
Prior to the match, Ferguson had discussed the possibility of Ashley and Tyler becoming the first-ever father and son to play against each other in FA Cup history, but he emphasised that Tyler’s involvement would depend on how the game was progressing.
In a chat ahead of Thursday night’s 2-0 victory for Everton, Ashley gushed to talkSPORT about the surreal experience of playing against Tyler, who had only one senior game under his belt before their monumental FA Cup encounter.
“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 admitted. “It would eclipse anything I’ve done. When the draw came out, I just couldn’t believe it. I had no words.”
