Darren Ferguson, the manager of Peterborough United, has shared that he might have upset one unnamed Everton player due to his decision-making during their FA Cup clash.
Although son of Everton's Ashley Young, Tyler Young, was primed on the bench, Ferguson did not grant him pitch time alongside his father.
Veteran Everton defender Young was brought on in the 73rd minute by Toffees' interim managers Leighton Baines and Seamus Coleman, just hours after Sean Dyche was sacked.
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However, a family reunion was denied at Goodison Park by Ferguson, who has defended his decision not to bring Tyler, 18, on.
The Posh boss stood firm in his post-match comments, explaining: "[It was] very difficult, but I have got to do what I think is best for the team."
He continued: "As much as I wanted Tyler to get on, if the game had been 2-0 at that point [when he made his final change] I would have put him on but it was 1-0 and I had to get a forward on, I have got to try and get something out of the game, I have got to do what is best for my team."
Ferguson went on to reveal that an unspecified Everton player did take issue with him after the full-time whistle sounded for not allowing the father and son to cross paths on the pitch.
He concluded: "We're not a charity case - as much as I wanted Tyler to get on with his dad, one of their players had a bit of a pop at me which is bang out of order, I've got to do what is best for my team and at that point at 1-0 I am trying to get a result."
GUTTED……
— Ashley Young (@youngy18) January 10, 2025
Ashley Young was seen speaking at length to his son as they walked down the tunnel, and the ex-Manchester United star has since hinted at his reaction to Ferguson's call with a one-word tweet on Friday morning.
The defender wrote on X: "GUTTED...", in what many believe is in reaction to being denied the chance to share the pitch with his teenage son in the FA Cup.
