Peterborough chairman speaks out on Darren Ferguson leaving Ashley Young's son Tyler on bench vs Everton

Peterborough chairman Darragh MacAnthony has given his thoughts on Darren Ferguson’s decision to not allow Tyler Young to play against his father Ashley during the Posh’s 2-0 FA Cup defeat against Everton on Thursday.

The Premier League outfit proved too good for Ferguson’s side sweeping them aside with ease in a 2-0 victory at Goodison Park thanks to goals from Beto and Iliman N’Diaye.

But this was not any old third-round tie.

Earlier in the day, Sean Dyche was relieved of his duties as head coach of Everton meaning former player and Under-18 coach Leighton Baines and current first-team right-back Seamus Coleman took the side.

However, to add further interest to the cup tie, Ashley Young, 39, and his son Tyler, 18, were both named as substitutes.

Ashley was introduced on 73 minutes, replacing Nathan Patterson.

But to the dismay of many fans, Ferguson, 52, did not allow history to be made and opted to keep Tyler on the bench.

The Everton right-back made his feelings clear after the game, taking to social media simply posting “GUTTED” presumably about his son not getting on rather than seeing Dyche depart.

Tyler, who has made just one appearance for Peterborough this season, also weighed in with his verdict.

The 18-year-old posted a photograph of the pair to his Instagram story captioning: “Happy to make these memories with you old man.”

Ashley and Tyler Young at Goodison Park (Credit:Getty)

And despite many fans voicing their annoyance at Ferguson’s decision to not allow the pair to compete, he has defended his choice.

"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 said in the post-match press conference.

"One of their players had a pop at me which was out of order. I had to do what was best for my team."

Now, it has emerged that the club’s chairman MacAnthony, 48, has finally had his say on the matter.

“This nonsense has to stop,” he wrote on X. “My manager was 100 per cent correct in his actions. This wasn’t some friendly or exhibition event.

“Putting stupid tweets out asking for him to be sacked is unintelligent & frankly moronic. In time even Ashley will appreciate this as opposed to his current feeling around it. Cheers.”