BBC pundit Micah Richards has disclosed that he received the news of his father Lincoln's unexpected death just moments before going live for the network's coverage of England's World Cup match against Argentina on Wednesday evening.
Richards worked through broadcast after tragic news
The former Manchester City and England defender was part of the BBC punditry team in Atlanta alongside Wayne Rooney and Joe Hart. Despite the devastating personal news, Richards fulfilled his professional duties as England were eliminated from the tournament, revealing the loss shortly after the show ended.
In an Instagram post accompanied by a childhood photograph, 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.'
A tribute to his greatest fan
Richards described his father as 'my greatest fan' who 'barely missed a game my entire life.' He added: '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.'
The pundit explained his decision to proceed with the broadcast, noting: '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.'
Family and colleagues offer support
Richards concluded his message with thoughts for his family: 'Thinking of my siblings and all my wider family today as we remember my father Lincoln, my hero and inspiration.' The BBC has not issued a formal statement, but colleagues have expressed their condolences privately.
