MICAH RICHARDS covered England’s World Cup semi-final despite finding out his dad had died.
The former England defender was at the stadium in Atlanta as a pundit for the BBC as the Three Lions lost to Argentina.
Micah Richards found out his dad died before going on air for England vs Argentina Credit: BBC
The BBC pundit shared a childhood photo with his dad Lincoln Credit: http://www.instagram.com/micahrichards/
But as well as the disappointment of the late defeat, Richards was also dealing with his own personal tragedy after his dad Lincoln’s sad passing.
Richards posted a heartfelt tribute to his father on Instagram on Wednesday night following the conclusion of the BBC coverage.
Sign up for the Football newsletter
Thank you!
He posted a photo from his childhood with his dad and 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.
READ MORE ON THE WORLD CUP
ARGIE ARROGANCE
Outrage as Argentina players celebrate with ‘Falklands are ours’ sign
JUDE FEUD
Angry Bellingham SLAPS Argentina star as tensions boil over after final whistle
“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.
“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.”
Plenty of pundits, footballers and followers flooded the replies section of the Instagram post with messages of support for Richards and his family.
James Maddison wrote: “Sending love mate.”
Jill Scott added: “Thinking of you and your family Micah x x”
Gabriel Agbonlahor typed: “Love you brother.”
Joe Hart commented: “Sending love Meeks … here for you all. RIP Lincoln.”
Juan Mata replied: “Sorry for your loss Micah.”
Chloe Kelly said: “Thinking of you.”
Jamie Carragher responded: “Sending love to you and all the family.”
Harry Maguire, Alex Scott and Fran Kirby both put love heart emojis, too, while another fan responded: “Well done for coming out and presenting tonight, not an easy thing to do. Thoughts with your family.”
