In a match that saw Arne Slot’s side cruise into the fifth round thanks to goals from Curtis Jones, Dominik Szoboszlai, and a clinical Mohamed Salah penalty, most eyes were on the pitch. But broadcasters and fans couldn’t help noticing a peculiar spectator in the stands: a person clad in an oversized, flamboyant costume that appeared to blend elements of a cartoonish bird mascot (perhaps a playful nod to Brighton’s “Seagulls” nickname) with bizarre, almost theatrical additions like a oversized beak, feathered cape, and mismatched neon accessories. The figure was captured multiple times on TNT Sports and BBC cameras, awkwardly bobbing along to the Anfield atmosphere while seemingly trying to stay low-key among the sea of red scarves.
Initially dismissed as just another eccentric away fan — or perhaps a Brighton supporter taking the rivalry banter to extremes — speculation exploded online as soon as the full-time whistle blew. Clips of the “strange seagull-man” (as he was quickly dubbed) went viral, racking up millions of views across X, TikTok, and Instagram. Fans flooded timelines with questions: Was this a stunt? A celebrity incognito? A protest? Or something more personal?
Now, the individual behind the costume has come forward in an exclusive interview with a popular football podcast, confirming what many had begun to suspect but few dared believe: the mystery spectator was none other than former Liverpool star and club legend Robbie Fowler.
Yes — “God” himself, the man who scored 183 goals in two spells at Anfield and remains one of the most beloved figures in the club’s history.
Fowler, now 50 and largely out of the public eye in recent years while focusing on coaching and punditry work, explained that he attended the match as a regular supporter rather than in any official capacity. “I just wanted to experience Anfield like the fans do — no VIP seats, no spotlight, just pure football,” he said. “But with my face, that’s impossible these days. Every time I show up, it’s selfies, autographs, and people asking about the ’96 team or the Spice Boys era. I love it, but sometimes you just want to blend in and scream at the ref without anyone filming it.”
To achieve anonymity, Fowler borrowed a custom costume originally made for a charity event tied to Brighton’s mascot (a tongue-in-cheek “enemy lines” gesture, he admitted with a laugh). He modified it slightly to make it even more ridiculous — “I added the neon bits myself; thought it would look extra daft” — ensuring no one would connect the dots to a former Kop hero. He sat in the away end among Brighton fans, who apparently welcomed him warmly without realizing who was under the beak.
“I was cheering for Liverpool the whole time, obviously,” Fowler confessed. “Had to bite my tongue a few times when the Seagulls lot were singing. But when Curtis scored that opener just before half-time, I nearly blew my cover jumping up and down like a madman.”
The disguise worked almost too well — until eagle-eyed viewers started zooming in on match footage. Certain mannerisms, like the way he celebrated Salah’s penalty with a familiar fist-pump, and even his posture when sitting, began fueling theories online. Some fans pointed out that the figure avoided the usual autograph hunters post-match, slipping away quietly.
Why go to such lengths? Fowler said it was partly nostalgia and partly a desire for privacy amid a busy personal schedule. “Anfield on a night like that — electric atmosphere, under the lights, kids everywhere — it’s magic. I didn’t want to miss it, but I also didn’t want it to be about me. The game’s moved on, and I’m happy watching from the stands like I did as a kid.”
Liverpool supporters have reacted with a mix of delight and amusement. Social media is awash with memes: Fowler’s iconic “arms out” celebration photoshopped onto the seagull costume, captions like “When God goes incognito but still can’t hide his love for the Reds,” and tributes praising his humility. “Only Robbie would dress as a giant seagull to watch us batter Brighton,” one viral post read.
The club itself has yet to comment officially, but sources close to Anfield suggest there’s quiet amusement in the corridors — and perhaps an invitation for Fowler to drop the costume next time and take a proper seat in the directors’ box.
One thing is undeniable: in a night defined by clinical finishing and Slot’s tactical mastery, this bizarre subplot has given the fixture an unexpected layer of folklore. What started as a quirky distraction has become one of the feel-good stories of the 2025/26 FA Cup run — proof that even legends sometimes just want to be fans.
As Fowler summed it up: “Next time, maybe I’ll go as a giant Kopite scarf. Or perhaps just buy a ticket in the Main Stand and own it. But honestly? The seagull was fun. Worth every weird look.”
The revelation has only added to the magic of what was already a memorable evening at Anfield. Liverpool march on in the cup — and now, so does the legend of the man who hid in plain sight among the opposition faithful.
