Warren Barton left bleeding after bottle thrown from crowd at Azteca Stadium

Warren Barton was left with a cut to his forehead after a bottle was thrown from the crowd during Colombia’s 3-1 World Cup victory over Uzbekistan at Mexico City’s Azteca Stadium, with a cameraman also knocked over in the same incident.

Broadcaster Jacqui Oatley, covering the tournament for American network FOX, took to social media to describe the alarming scenes that unfolded in the commentary booth. She shared a photo showing Barton with a visible wound on his forehead and confirmed that blood had been trickling down his face after the object struck him.

“That was an unusual one,” Oatley 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 severity of the incident, Oatley confirmed that Barton was able to continue his broadcasting duties after receiving attention for the wound.

The scenes unfolded amid what Oatley described as an electric atmosphere inside the historic venue. She was otherwise full of praise for the supporters in attendance, writing: “Unreal atmosphere at the old Azteca. Colombia fans are phenomenal.”

The match itself marked a historic occasion for Uzbekistan, who were making their debut appearance at a World Cup finals. The Central Asian side kept the scoreline competitive before Colombia pulled clear in the closing stages to secure all three points with a 3-1 win.

Barton, who earned 16 caps for England during a playing career that included spells at Newcastle United, Wimbledon, and Derby County, has become a familiar voice in football broadcasting since retiring from the game.