BBC pundit Micah Richards revealed he received the devastating news that his father, Lincoln, had passed away unexpectedly moments before going on air for England's World Cup semi-final against Argentina.
Heartbreaking Instagram Post
Posting on Instagram, Richards said: "Not long before going on air today, I received the awful news that my father Lincoln had passed away. His death was unexpected, and he has left us all too soon."
He added: "He was my greatest fan. He barely missed a game my entire life. He would take me wherever I needed to go when I was a kid and he was the proudest parent possible during my professional career. It was so rare for him to not be by my side."
Show Went On as Tribute
Richards explained his decision to continue with his broadcasting duties: "I know how much watching England World Cup games means to everyone at home, and how the experience bonds families together across the generations, like nothing else. I know, particularly as a proud old-school Yorkshireman, dad would’ve wanted the show to go on this evening. And so it did."
He concluded: "Thinking of my siblings and all my wider family today as we remember my father Lincoln, my hero and inspiration."
