Liverpool in front, but a Brighton fan steals the show

Anfield Road—Liverpool FC took a narrow lead into the dressing room at halftime of their FA Cup fourth-round tie against Brighton & Hove Albion, courtesy of Curtis Jones, who swept home a well-taken goal on the stroke of the whistle. The strike gives the Reds a slender advantage in the knockout contest, yet the tie remains delicately poised with 45 minutes still to play.

While the home side dictated the scoreboard, the spotlight briefly veered toward the visiting support. Among the travelling Brighton faithful—nicknamed the Seagulls—an attention-grabbing feathered mascot, described by onlookers as a “completely crazy bird,” has captured cameras and social-media chatter. The unexpected animal presence has added a quirky subplot to the afternoon and underlined the colourful backing Brighton will rely upon if they are to overturn the deficit.

With progression to the next round still up for grabs, the contest promises more drama after the restart, both on the pitch and, it seems, in the stands.