Peterborough United manager Darren Ferguson has defended his decision not to play Ashley Young’s son Tyler in their FA Cup defeat to Everton, despite the potential for creating history.
The League One side’s 2-0 loss at Goodison Park could have witnessed the first-ever father-son matchup in FA Cup history, had Tyler Young been brought on to face his father.
The younger Young remained an unused substitute, while his father Ashley was introduced as a 73rd-minute substitute for Everton.
The decision has sparked controversy, with Ferguson revealing one Everton player criticised his choice after the match.
Darren Ferguson didn’t bring on Ashley Young’s son
REUTERS
Ferguson explained his decision was driven by tactical necessity, with his team trailing by a single goal at the time.
“It was very difficult to leave Tyler on the bench, I wanted him on, but I’ve got to get a forward on to get a goal,” Ferguson told reporters.
The Posh manager revealed his choice drew criticism from the opposition. “One of their players had a pop at me which was out of order. I had to do what was best for my team.”
Instead of introducing Young, Ferguson brought on Malik Mothersille as his final substitution in the 88th minute.
Former Tottenham player Jamie O’Hara criticised Ferguson’s decision on talkSPORT.
Darren Ferguson defended his decision
REUTERS
“He could have made a bit of history, done something amazing for the club, for the boy,” O’Hara said.
“There’s more to, you know, just a football match… he could have just put him on, made a bit of history and give us something to talk about.”
O’Hara emphasised the unique nature of the opportunity. “Make history and have a couple of minutes playing on the football pitch with your dad. Because it’s never going to happen again.
“I’d be sitting there going, come on, mate, put him on. Like, just put him on. It’s a moment. It’s a special moment for someone.”
Everton secured their victory through Beto’s first-half strike and Iliman Ndiaye’s stoppage-time penalty.
Tyler Young joined Peterborough from QPR last summer on a one-year contract.
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Tyler Young is yet to make his professional debut
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The teenage midfielder has made just one appearance for the League One side since his arrival, featuring in the EFL Trophy.
He has been named as a substitute in league matches, the Carabao Cup and now the FA Cup, but is still awaiting his debut in the historic competition.
His father Ashley made his feelings clear about missing out on playing on the same pitch as his teenage son on social media.
He simply wrote on X: “GUTTED…”
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