They will have also thought the MIB would be out in force to confront the scousers. An early kick off and send them back to dipper land seems wise.
Forget the MIB it's the Blazing Squad they have to worry about. They're still giving it a good go although there's only two of them and a chihuahua left now.
"Hello is that Liverpool?? Can't meet pre game as the dibble switched the kick off and my chihuahua is pre booked to have his nails done. After the game is fine though but there's only me as my mate has to take his gran shopping as he thought the game was 5:30. Hello? Hello???"