BBC pundit Micah Richards discovered that his father, Lincoln, had passed away 'not long' before he was scheduled to provide coverage for England's World Cup semi-final against Argentina. The 38-year-old former footballer decided to continue with the broadcast as a tribute to his late father, whom he described as his 'greatest fan' and an 'inspiration'.
Richards Announces Tragic News on Social Media
Sharing a heartfelt statement on Instagram, Richards wrote: '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 that his father had barely missed a game throughout his entire life and was the proudest parent possible during his professional career.
'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,' Richards said. He concluded by remembering his father as 'my hero and inspiration'.
Sporting Community Pays Tribute
Tributes poured in from across the sporting world. Former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher, who works alongside Richards on CBS, was among the first to respond, writing: 'Sending love to you and all the family.' Joe Hart, who was working with Richards on Wednesday evening, said: 'Sending love Meeks ... here for you all . RIP Lincoln'.
Former Manchester United midfielder Juan Mata commented: 'Sorry for your loss Micah.' Ex-England international Jill Scott added: 'Thinking of you and your family Micah.' Former Formula 1 world champion Jenson Button also expressed his condolences, saying: 'Praying for you brother, Sorry for your loss.'
Father's Influence on Richards' Career
Richards has previously spoken about the profound influence his father had on his life and career. In a 2007 interview, he said: 'I grew up in Chapeltown, a rough area of Leeds. There was all sorts of stuff - drugs and fighting. There is a point when you are 15 or 16 when you might want to get involved in it. There was definitely a temptation but I stayed grounded.'
'I have been able to deal with all the stuff that has come my way. That's down to Dad. He's brought me up well. My Dad is a strong character. He is very principled. He's a Rastafarian. He has set standards for me.' Richards noted that his father had missed only one game he ever played in – his debut at Arsenal, when he was not even supposed to be in the squad.
