'Bang out of order' - Peterborough boss explains why he didn't bring on Tyler Young to face dad Ashley in FA Cup tie after Everton player 'had a pop'

History was on the cards at Goodison Park on Thursday, with the Youngs looking to become the first father and son duo to line up against one another in the 154-year history of FA Cup competition. That big moment never arrived.

Ex-England international Ashley stepped off the bench for the Toffees in the 73rd minute, with Everton leading 1-0 at the time. With the final outcome still in the balance, Posh manager Ferguson felt unable to throw on 18-year-old midfielder Tyler.

By the time that Iliman Ndiaye converted a stoppage-time penalty, Peterborough had already used up all of their substitutes. The decision to deny Tyler an outing against his dad did not sit well with some, as digs were aimed in Ferguson’s direction.

Ferguson, the son of legendary former Manchester United manager Sir Alex, told reporters afterwards when asked about why Young Jr did not make it onto the field: "The last substitution was a difficult one because I did want to get Tyler on. As much as I wanted to get him on with his dad, I had to do what’s right for my team.

"It was very difficult ,but I’ve got to do what’s best for the team. If the game had been 2-0 at that point, I would have put him on, but at 1-0 I couldn’t. If I sent a central midfielder on at 1-0, I’ve got three forwards sitting on the bench wondering what’s going on.

"One of their players had a bit of a pop at me, which is bang out of order, but I’ve got to do what’s best for out team and, at that point, it’s 1-0 and we’re trying to get a result. Quite honestly, I did put Tyler on the bench and I gave him every opportunity but I’ve got to do what’s best for the team. I am sure they will remember it."

Tyler Young has only been involved in four matchday squads for Peterborough, with his solitary senior appearance to date coming in an EFL Trophy win over Stevenage in October 2024. He is still in the infancy of his career, while Ashley is now 39 years of age and approaching the end of his.