Micah Richards Reveals Father’s Death Before Live Coverage of England’s Semi-Final
Former England footballer and World Cup pundit Micah Richards learned of his father’s death just before going on air for England’s semi-final against Argentina.
Richards, who earned 13 caps for England, appeared on the BBC alongside Joe Hart and Wayne Rooney as Thomas Tuchel’s team faced a late 2-1 defeat.
Shortly after the match, Richards revealed on Instagram that he had received the heartbreaking news of his father Lincoln’s passing just before kickoff in Atlanta.
He 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 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.
“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.
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“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.”
Gary Lineker, Alan Shearer, and Micah Richards (PA)
During the pre-match coverage, BBC presenter Mark Chapman joked with Micah Richards about former presenter Gary Lineker.
Chapman quipped, “Gary who?” after Richards made a comment about the former Match Of The Day host.
A pre-match analysis highlighted Jude Bellingham, showcasing his goals in the World Cup, all scored inside the penalty area.
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The graphic displayed that the Real Madrid midfielder has scored seven goals from an average distance of 9.4 metres, while former England striker Lineker scored 10 from 7.3 metres.
Speaking on BBC One, Richards humorously stated: “One thing I don’t like on that list, another graphic that’s got Gary Lineker on there.
“He’s just texted me now but he’s dropping down the table. Thank God for that.”
Laughing, Chapman responded: “Gary who? Joke! Joke! Before everybody piles on, joke. Goodness me.”