Is there even a good reason for this and seems weird sticking two title rivals in that time. Can imagine it will also be very difficult for Liverpool fans travelling up from London so early to get to the game on time
Is there even a good reason for this and seems weird sticking two title rivals in that time. Can imagine it will also be very difficult for Liverpool fans travelling up from London so early to get to the game on time
I believe the asian market plays a rather huge part. I have been to Asia a couple of times and Liverpool is a huge brand in Asia. That’s not to say that Man United and Arsenal also aren’t huge brands in Asia. But that would be my overall guess, that prime time in Asia plays a huge part.
So to cut it short: I think it’s because of TV-revenue, especially in prime time in Asia and Liverpool are also huge in the southern hemisphere, where it’s almost nightime around 12:30 UK time.
I discount the Asian market theory because the selections are made by the domestic rights owners.
I think getting a big game on for a good time slot in Asia is a happy side benefit to the league when they go to renew/resell broadcast rights, though.