Ashley Young told to 'grow up' after his response to son Tyler being left on bench vs Everton goes viral

Ashley Young has been slammed by a section of supporters after expressing his frustration over being denied the chance to play against his son Tyler on Thursday night.

Everton beat Peterborough United 2-0 in the FA Cup third round, with Beto and Iliman Ndiaye on target for the Toffees - who sacked manager Sean Dyche hours before the fixture.

Going into the game, there was the potential for history to be made - with the Youngs in with a chance of becoming the first father-and-son duo to play against one another in the 143-year history of the FA Cup.

The pair had done a number of interviews in the build-up to the game following the draw, with former Manchester United star Young saying that playing against his son would "top everything I've done in my career".

Young Sr came off the bench in the 73rd minute to replace Nathan Patterson but unfortunately for 18-year-old Tyler, he only managed a warm-up on the touchline and did not get on.

Ashley and Tyler Young applaud fans after the FA Cup game. Image: Getty

Darren Ferguson's side were 1-0 down when he made a fifth and final substitute, in the 88th minute opting to bring on striker Malik Mothersille as they searched for an equaliser.

"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," the Peterborough boss said in a press conference.

Young shared an embrace with his son at the end of the game and the morning after, made his feelings clear on X when he wrote: "GUTTED……".

Plenty of supporters responded to the ex England international's post on the social media platform, with one writing: "Needs to grow up. Why on earth would we prioritise Ashley Young’s feelings over our team. Tyler doesn’t usually even make our bench let alone the pitch, this was a competitive game of football not a friendly and we were still in it until the 97th minute."

A second said: "Not a single fan of any other football club at 1-0 down would have come out and applauded their manager for “making history” to appease only Ashley Young, Tyler Young and the media. The comments and posts on it are actually laughable."

A third agreed: "If Tyler young was good enough he be on the start #simple Darren is 100 per cent right."

Another added: "That match wasn't a family meeting,you'll play together at home."

A final user commented: "Grow up. As a professional for 20+ years you more then most should understand Darren’s judgement and decision making. Posting this on your socials is a bit petty to say the least."

Ashley and Tyler Young embrace on the pitch. Image: Getty

Ferguson claims Everton player made comment

In his post-match press conference, Ferguson was asked about failing to bring on Young and after defending his decision - claiming an Everton player had a go at him over the snub.

He said: "One of their players had a pop at me which was bang out of order, I've got to do what is best for our team."

Tyler previously played in the academy set-up at both Arsenal and MK dons before joining QPR. He signed for Peterborough in the summer and made his debut in the EFL trophy against Stevenage in October.