Jackie Oatley has detailed the chaotic incident that left fellow broadcaster and former England defender Warren Barton bloodied at the 2026 World Cup.
Warren Burton left bleeding at World Cup (Image: X.com/Jacqui Oatley)
England’s World Cup commentators have spoken out after members of the broadcast team were left covered in blood after bottles were thrown at them by the crowd during Colombia’s win over Uzbekistan. Commentator Jackie Autry, who is currently broadcasting the World Cup on American broadcaster FOX, took to social media to describe the alarming scenes that unfolded after Colombia’s 3-1 win at Mexico City’s iconic Azteca Stadium.
Former England defender Warren Barton, who was Autry’s partner in the commentary booth, suffered a head injury when he was hit by an object fired from the stands.
Oatley shared a photo of Barton’s clearly visible gash on his forehead, revealing the former Newcastle United and England defender was bleeding from the impact.
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“That was unusual,” she wrote. “During the goal commentary I got drenched in beer (which was actually very refreshing) and poor Warren Barton got hit over the head with a flying bottle and got cut!
“I heard him get hit and turned around and saw blood coming from his forehead. He’s okay. The poor cameraman was also wiped out/injured in the tackle.”
Despite the horrifying nature of the incident, Mr Autry confirmed Mr Barton was not seriously injured and was able to continue his broadcasting duties.
As Colombia started their World Cup campaign in style with victory over Uzbekistan, unsettling scenes unfolded in the raucous atmosphere inside the legendary stadium.
Colombia beat Uzbekistan in World Cup Group K (Image: Martín Fonseca/Eurasia Sport Images/Getty Images)
Autry praised the supporters who filled the venue, describing the noise in the venue as “surreal”. He added: “Colombia did well. Uzbekistan also had a decent debut and stayed in the game until near the end. The unreal atmosphere of the good old Aztecs. The Colombian fans are phenomenal.”
The match was Uzbekistan’s first appearance in the World Cup finals, and after a tense situation for the Central Asian team, Colombia caught up late on to claim all three points.
Former England defender Barton won 16 caps for his country during a career that saw him play for Newcastle Wimbledon and Derby County, before turning to broadcasting after retiring.
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