Micah Richards paid a touching tribute to his late father having learnt of his passing shortly before covering England’s World Cup semi-final.
Former England defender Richards was part of the BBC’s punditry team for the Three Lions’ exit from the tournament as they lost 2-1 to Argentina in Atlanta.
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But ‘not long’ before they went on air, Richards learnt of the passing of his dad, Lincoln.
The former Premier League player opted to fulfil his broadcasting duties throughout the live coverage.
After the end of the programme, Richards paid tribute to Lincoln following his ‘unexpected’ death.
‘Left us all too soon’
When posting a photo of him as a child with his dad, 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 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.”
Pundits and ex-players reach out
His outwardly positive outlook makes Richards a popular figure in the punditry scene and a number of fellow pundits and former players have offered their support to him after his personal tragedy.
Tottenham star and England international James Maddison wrote: “Sending love mate.”
Ex-England women’s star and TV pundit Jill Scott added: “Thinking of you and your family Micah x x”
eSPORTY’s Gabby Agbonlahor said: “Love you brother.”
While Joe Hart, who worked alongside Richards and Wayne Rooney on the BBC’s coverage commented: “Sending love Meeks … here for you all. RIP Lincoln.”
Argentina 2-1 England
Richards was covering what proved to be yet another World Cup disappointment for the Three Lions as they fell short once again.
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They were minutes away from victory after Anthony Gordon’s finish from close range put England ahead on 55 minutes.
But after inviting pressure from the world champions, England’s defence was breached in the 85th minute when a long-range strike by Enzo Fernandez beat Jordan Pickford.
And Argentina’s comeback was officially complete when Lautaro Martinez headed Lionel Messi’s cross from the right in stoppage-time to seal a World Cup final date with Spain on Sunday.
As for England, they have one more match to play in the third-place play-off, where they will meet France in Miami on Saturday, kick-off 10pm and live on eSPORTY.
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