Peterborough chairman Darragh MacAnthony has criticized the “stupid” reaction to Darren Ferguson's refusal to bring on youngster Tyler Young against Everton.
The 19-year-old and his father Ashley Young, 39, had the chance to make FA Cup history on Thursday night at Goodison Park. But the midfielder was not involved in the action and the Toffees claimed a 2-0 victory thanks to goals from Beto and Iliman Ndiaye.
Posh boss Ferguson, son of legendary Manchester United manager Sir Alex, has faced intense criticism for denying this rare feat. In fact, no father and son have ever faced each other in the 154 years of English football's oldest competition.
Ashley, who played the final 17 minutes of the clash, posted the one-word 'GUTTED' message on X on Friday morning after previously saying it was her 'dream' to share the pitch with her son, with fans expressing his sympathy with the first. United star, and some argue that Darren has only found success in the game thanks to his own famous father.
But President MacAnthony fired back at the detractors in a scathing response to one of the many posts on X calling for Ferguson's firing.
“This nonsense has to stop,” he wrote. 'My manager was 100 percent correct in his actions. This was not a friendly or exhibition event.
Peterborough chairman Darragh MacAnthony has hit back at supporters who attacked his manager Darren Ferguson.
The Posh boss, pictured (right), with his father Sir Alex Ferguson, did not bring youngster Tyle Young to face his father Ashley in an FA Cup tie against Everton.
The Youngs would have become the first father and son to play against each other in the 154-year history of the FA Cup.
“Tyler is doing fantastic with our 21 and is progressing phenomenally with a bright future, but bringing him in at that time, considering the circumstances of the game with us one down and with minutes remaining, was not the right thing for the team.
'Posting stupid tweets calling for him to be fired is unintelligent and downright stupid. In time, even Ashley will appreciate this, unlike her current feeling about it. Health.'
MacAnthony's message came amid an avalanche of condemnation for the boss, now in his fourth spell with the League One side.
After the match, one fan wrote on
“Darren Ferguson has blood on his hands for not bringing Tyler Young to play against his dad Ashley Young tonight,” another X account added.
“Not bringing Tyler Young to play against his dad (Ashley Young) is pretty bad of Darren Ferguson,” another fan stated.
Meanwhile, an
“Out of order dude, no problem leaving it for the last 10,” another fan responded to Ashley.
MacAnthony said the messages calling for Ferguson to be fired over the decision were “unintelligible and frankly stupid.”
The two Youngs could be seen smiling as they exited the tunnel before kickoff.
As the action began at Goodison Park, the two substitutes warmed up on the touchline.
Ferguson defended his decision not to introduce Tyler and revealed the angry reaction he had received from an Everton star.
“It was very difficult to leave Tyler on the bench, but I have to do what I think is best for the team,” Ferguson said.
“As much as I wanted Tyler to advance, if the game had been 2-0 at that point I would have put him in, but at 1-0, I had to put in a forward.” I have to try to get something out of the game and do the best for my team.
“One of their players threw a pop at me that was out of character. “We are not a charity case.”
What many furious spectators failed to appreciate is that the teenager has been far from a regular for the third division team this season. In fact, Tyler has only made one appearance for the club, playing the final 27 minutes of an EFL Trophy win against Stevenage in October.
Meanwhile, he had not been part of the matchday squad in Peterborough's last 14 matches before being selected on the bench for the clash against Everton.
Ferguson, who recognized Ashley on the pitch at full-time, had hinted at the possibility of the Youngs clashing in his pre-match press conference, although he had also warned there was a chance that would not happen.
Despite the disappointment, Ashley and Tyler shared a touching moment before kick-off when they met on the Goodison Park pitch for a pre-match chat.
Ferguson said it was difficult to leave the youngster out in his defense of his call-up against the Toffees
Tyler Young has only played once for the League One side and was not named on the substitutes bench in the previous 14 matches.
In the touching encounter, both Youngs could be seen smiling as they walked out of the tunnel together, before stopping to chat.
When the action began, the two substitutes warmed up on the touchline.
While stretching, they passed each other and Tyler was seen smiling as he took in the occasion.
After the match, the 39-year-old made sure to share another touching hug with his son.
He was seen saying a few words to Tyler while both Youngs looked a little devastated by the result, before applauding the fans still remaining inside Goodison Park and walking off the pitch together.