BBC pundit and former England star Micah Richards has revealed he learned of his father Lincoln's death moments before going on air for the Three Lions' World Cup semi-final against Argentina. The 38-year-old shared the tragic news on social media after the match, in which England suffered a heartbreaking 2-1 defeat.
Richards Shares Emotional Tribute
Richards took to social media to confirm his father's passing, posting: "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 was my greatest fan. He barely missed a game my entire life."
He continued: "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. 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."
Richards added: "I know, particularly as a proud old-school Yorkshireman, dad would've wanted the show to go on this evening. And so it did. Thinking of my siblings and all my wider family today as we remember my father Lincoln, my hero and inspiration."
Match Background
Richards was joined by presenter Mark Chapman, Manchester United legend Wayne Rooney and former Manchester City team-mate Joe Hart in Atlanta, having spent most of the tournament in a studio in Salford. The BBC's coverage had shifted to the United States for the latter rounds, just in time to air England's collapse and bitter 2-1 defeat to Argentina. Anthony Gordon had given Thomas Tuchel's side the lead on 55 minutes, before they conceded two late goals.
Father's Influence on Richards' Career
Richards has previously spoken of the profound influence his father had on his career path. He said in 2007: "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."
He added: "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. It's been great to have that sort of person behind me but at the same time I learned how to be my own man. Dad's always been here for me. He has missed only one game I have ever played in and that was my debut at Arsenal when I wasn't even supposed to be in the squad."
Tributes Pour In
Tributes from across the sporting world have poured in for Richards. Former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher, who works alongside Richards on CBS, was among the first to reach out. "Sending love to you and all the family," he said. Hart, who had been working beside Richards on Wednesday evening, said: "Sending love Meeks... here for you all. RIP Lincoln."
"Sorry for your loss Micah," commented Juan Mata. Ex-England international Jill Scott added: "Thinking of you and your family Micah." Former Formula 1 champion Jenson Button said: "Praying for you brother, Sorry for your loss."
