Inside the visiting team’s dressing room, a disconsolate Emre Can held his hands up; his performance had not been good enough. As an act of mercy as much as out of absolute necessity, Brendan Rodgers withdrew the German in a desperate attempt to save him and his team from further punishment. Others held their heads in their hands, wondering if plans to take Steven Gerrard on a valedictory post-season trip to Dubai would have to be abandoned.

As well as withdrawing Can, Rodgers had made another decision. The helicopter that had been booked to take him to London after the final whistle had to be cancelled. Although his son, Anton, was due to play for Swindon Town in the League One play-off final at Wembley,