Why Ipswich-mad Ed Sheeran left Liverpool game at half-time despite Kieran McKenna's side being on top against Arne Slot's Reds on Premier League return

Singing sensation Sheeran is, arguably, the Tractor Boys' most famous supporter and he was at Portman Road for their first Premier League game for 22 years. However, the 33-year-old left the ground at half-time, even when Kieran McKenna's men looked the more likely team to score. Here's why the Halifax-born musician didn't see the second half...

It turns out 'The A Team' singer had to catch a flight to Serbia on Saturday afternoon as he is performing at Usce Park in Belgrade as part of his Mathematics Tour of Europe and Asia. It may have been for the best as Ipswich were outplayed in the second half and lost 2-0 to Liverpool.

Sheeran, who just bought a minority stake in Ipswich, told Premier League Productions: "Yes, I play [in] Serbia tonight," before adding, "Football is like a community. I feel very...normal here because I am just one of the fans. Suffolk has always been quite protective of me and I love being part of something and a community like this [Ipswich]; especially considering a few years ago we were playing League One football and now we are starting in the Premier League again - it's cool."

While Sheeran continues on his world tour, his beloved Ipswich face an arguably even tougher task in their second Premier League game as they travel to defending champions Manchester City next Saturday afternoon.