Ashley Young's one-word verdict after being denied chance to play against son Tyler, 18 - The Mirror

Ashley Young could've faced his son, Tyler, as Everton played against League One outfit Peterborough in the FA Cup third round on Thursday, but the fairytale wasn't meant to be

Everton defender Ashley Young was left 'gutted' after being denied the chance to play against his 18-year-old son, Tyler, in the FA Cup.

Young jr plays for League One side Peterborough, who were drawn to play Everton at Goodison Park on Thursday. Build-up to the third-round tie - until Everton sacked manager Sean Dyche just over three hours before kick-off - was dominated by the father-son dymanic.

The game was 1-0 until the 98th minute before Everton striker Beto scored his second goal of the night. Peterborough were well and truly in with a chance of reaching the fourth round and used all of their subs. Posh boss Darren Ferguson, who's the son of legendary former Manchester United manager Sir Alex, opted not to make Tyler one of his changes, leading to backlash from football fans.

Now his 39-year-old dad, Ashley, has spoken out, posting on social media platform X: "GUTTED……"

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His post was met with mixed responses, with one fan saying: "That match wasn't a family meeting, you'll play together at home." Another argued: "Disgraceful from the manager. Tyler should have come on the pitch."

Young sr later posted on Instagram: "Monumental memories made @tyleryoung_38. Even though we didn't make history by getting on the pitch together, we made memories of a lifetime son. Your text last night, 'Happy to be on the same pitch as you' yes this made me [crying emoji]. You don't understand how immensely proud I am of you."

Ferguson had already addressed the situation post-match, claiming that one Everton player 'had a pop at him' over not bringing Tyler on. "It was very difficult to leave Tyler on the bench but I've got to do what I think is best for the team," the Peterborough boss explained.

Should Darren Ferguson have saved a substitution for Tyler Young? Have your say in the comments section.

"As much as I wanted Tyler to get on, if the game had been 2-0 at that point I would've put him on, but at 1-0, I had to get a forward on. I've got to try and get something out of the game and do what is best for my team. One of their players had a pop at me which was bang out of order. We are not a charity case."

Young sr didn't started the cup tie either, although he was brought on by caretaker managers Leighton Baines and Seamus Coleman in the 73rd minute. The ex-United star had declared ahead of the match that facing his own son would top anything that he's achieved in his trophy-laden career.

"I've said for years that if there was any way we could play against each other, it would be the pinnacle of my career," Young told talkSPORT. "It would eclipse anything I've done. When the draw came out, I just couldn't believe it. I had no words."

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