Darren Ferguson, son of legendary manager Sir Alex Ferguson, is facing backlash for depriving Ashley Young of a memorable FA Cup moment.
During Everton's 2-0 win over Peterborough on Thursday, January 9, 2025, 39-year-old Young came on as a second-half substitute, while his 18-year-old son Tyler, a Peterborough player, watched from the bench.
A historic milestone was poised to be achieved at Goodison Park, as a father-son matchup in the FA Cup seemed imminent—a first in the competition's 154-year history.
However, Tyler remained on the bench as Peterborough's FA Cup run ended with a 2-0 loss to Everton in the third round, courtesy of goals from Beto and Iliman Ndiaye.
Ashley Young expressed his disappointment on social media, posting a single-word message: "GUTTED."
Fans on social media have since offered words of sympathy, recalling Ashley's previous statement that sharing the pitch with his son was a lifelong dream.
Some critics also took aim at Darren Ferguson, suggesting his managerial success is largely due to his family connections.
Read some of the comments below:
It’s quite ironic how Darren Ferguson literally has a career in football because of his Dad yet denied Ashley Young the chance to share the field with his son Tyler. pic.twitter.com/8sOzneQwQC
— 天蝎座 (@UtdEIIis) January 9, 2025
Peterborough were losing 2-0 to Everton and Ashley Young was on the pitch but Darren Ferguson refused to create history and DID NOT bring on his 18-year old son, Tyler Young.
— Football Tweet ⚽ (@Football__Tweet) January 9, 2025
Gutted for them. 💔 pic.twitter.com/DYvp66QJad
Very poor form from Darren Ferguson…. Just get the official to tell you when there’s like 30 seconds left if you’re worried about putting him on for longer. Poor lad will be so embarrassed and disappointed now!
— Andrew Cartwright (@cartwright_andy) January 10, 2025
Disgraceful. Ferguson has just denied a once in a lifetime opportunity of young and son playing with each other even just for a few mins. I couldn’t live with myself if that was me. Bad form from him
— Theirishlad (@conor_200333) January 10, 2025
The kid was hurt 😢, you can tell by the reaction when the father tried to talk to him
— Mr T (@TauraiNdekwere) January 10, 2025
FKA/EK
