Why Ed Sheeran left Ipswich Town's long-awaited Premier League match vs. Liverpool early

The dedicated fan, also a stakeholder in the club, caught the first half of their long-awaited opener

By Chuck Booth Aug 17, 2024 at 6:38 pm ET• 1 min read

As Ipswich Town played their first Premier League game in 22 years on Saturday, Suffolk native, Ipswich fan and renowned musician Ed Sheeran was in attendance after becoming a stakeholder in the club, but he couldn't stay all that long. Starting the afternoon at Portman Road, Sheeran had to get to Serbia to perform in a sold-out concert in Belgrade on Saturday night. Being able to do both on the same day was a special moment surely, and while Sheeran may be disappointed about leaving early, it also means that he hasn't seen Ipswich trail in person yet this season as the first half ended 0-0. Liverpool would go on to win 2-0.

"I have to leave here at halftime because I'm playing in Serbia tonight," Sheeran told TNT Sports ahead of the game. "We almost couldn't even come to the game but we had to."

Sheeran has been the club's shirt sponsor since 2021 and was able to be there for their first Premier League game since the singer was 11 years old. The Tractor Boys conceded two goals after the 60th minute of play, but it was still a valiant effort to contain Liverpool for so long, showing moments of promise as they look to fight for Premier League survival. 

Next up for them is an away trip to the Etihad Stadium to face the reigning Premier League champions Manchester City, part of a cruel schedule to begin the campaign.