A World Cup commentator has revealed how a colleague in her broadcasting team was left bloodied after being struck by a bottle hurled from the stands during Colombia's win over Uzbekistan. Commentator Jacqui Oatley, covering the World Cup for American broadcaster FOX, recounted details of the chaotic episode on social media following Colombia's 3-1 victory at Mexico City's iconic Azteca Stadium.
Incident details
Former England international defender Warren Barton, who was working alongside Oatley on commentary duties, sustained a gash to his head after being struck by a projectile thrown from the crowd. Oatley shared a photograph showing Barton with a noticeable wound on his forehead and disclosed the ex-Newcastle United and England defender was left bleeding following the incident.
"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."
Aftermath
Despite the disturbing scenes, Oatley confirmed Barton escaped serious injury and was able to carry on with his duties. The incident unfolded amid a raucous atmosphere inside the legendary stadium as Colombia launched their World Cup campaign with a 3-1 win over Uzbekistan.
Oatley lauded the supporters who filled the venue, describing the atmosphere as "unreal". She added: "Well done Colombia, decent debut by Uzbekistan too, stayed in the game till near the end. Unreal atmosphere at the old Azteca. Colombia fans are phenomenal."
Match context
The fixture represented Uzbekistan's maiden appearance at a World Cup finals, with the Central Asian nation putting up a spirited display before Colombia pulled clear in the closing stages to claim all three points. Former England defender Barton, who earned 16 caps for his country throughout a playing career that included stints at Newcastle United, Wimbledon and Derby County, went on to forge a successful career in broadcasting following his retirement from the game.
