An English World Cup commentator has revealed how a member of her broadcasting team was left bloodied after a bottle was thrown from the crowd during Colombia's victory over Uzbekistan.
Incident at Azteca Stadium
Commentator Jacqui Oatley, covering the World Cup for American network FOX, took to social media to detail the shocking events following Colombia's 3-1 win at Mexico City's legendary Azteca Stadium. Former England international defender Warren Barton, working alongside Oatley in the commentary box, suffered a gash to his head after being struck by a projectile thrown from the terraces.
Oatley posted a photograph showing Barton with a clearly visible injury on his forehead, disclosing that the former Wimbledon, Derby and Queens Park Rangers defender had been left bleeding from the blow.
"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," reports the Mirror.
Barton continues duties
Despite the disturbing nature of the episode, Oatley confirmed that Barton avoided serious harm and was able to continue with his broadcasting responsibilities. The troubling scenes played out amid a boisterous atmosphere inside the iconic venue as Colombia launched their World Cup campaign.
Oatley was effusive in her praise for the fans who filled the stadium, describing the atmosphere as "unreal". She went on to say: "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."
Match highlights
The match marked Uzbekistan's maiden appearance at a World Cup finals, with the Central Asian team holding their own until Colombia broke away in the final stages to secure all three points. Ex-England defender Barton, who earned 16 caps for his country during a playing career that included spells at Newcastle, Wimbledon and Derby County, transitioned into broadcasting after hanging up his boots.
