An English World Cup commentator has spoken out after a member of her broadcast team was left bloodied when a bottle was hurled from the crowd during Colombia's win over Uzbekistan. Commentator Jacqui Oatley, currently covering the World Cup for American broadcaster FOX, took to social media to describe the alarming scenes that unfolded following Colombia's 3-1 win at Mexico City's iconic Azteca Stadium.
Former England international defender Warren Barton, who was partnering Oatley in the commentary booth, sustained a cut to his head after being struck by an object launched from the stands. Oatley shared a photo showing Barton with a clearly visible wound on his forehead, revealing that the former Newcastle United and England defender had been left bleeding from the impact.
"That was an unusual one," she wrote. "Getting drenched in beer while commentating on a goal (quite refreshing, actually) and poor Warren Barton was whacked/cut in the head by a flying bottle! I heard him being hit and turned round to see blood trickling down his forehead. He's OK. Poor cameraman wiped out/injured by tackle too."
Despite the frightening nature of the incident, Oatley confirmed that Barton escaped serious injury and was able to carry on with his broadcasting duties. The unsettling scenes unfolded amid a raucous atmosphere inside the legendary stadium as Colombia kicked off their World Cup campaign in style with victory over Uzbekistan.
Oatley was full of praise for the supporters who packed out the venue, describing the buzz inside as "unreal". She added: "Well done Colombia, decent debut by Uzbekistan too, stayed in the game til near the end. Unreal atmosphere at the old Azteca. Colombia fans are phenomenal."
The fixture represented Uzbekistan's first appearance at a World Cup finals, with the Central Asian side keeping things tight before Colombia pulled clear in the closing stages to claim all three points. Former England defender Barton earned 16 caps for his country throughout a playing career that took in stints at Newcastle, Wimbledon, and Derby County, before he made the switch to broadcasting following his retirement from the game.
