Micah Richards, the former England footballer and current BBC pundit, has revealed he received the devastating news of his father Lincoln’s passing just moments before he was due to go live on air for England’s World Cup semi-final match. The 38-year-old shared an emotional tribute on Instagram following the broadcast, detailing how he chose to continue with his punditry duties despite the personal tragedy.

A Father’s Devotion and a Son’s Tribute

Richards was working as a commentator for the BBC’s coverage of England’s crucial World Cup game against Argentina, broadcasting live from Atlanta. In his heartfelt Instagram post, accompanied by a childhood photograph, he explained the profound impact of his father’s death.

‘Not long before going on air today, I received the awful news that my father Lincoln had passed away,’ Richards wrote. ‘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.’

Understanding the unifying power of the World Cup, particularly for families, Richards felt his father would have wanted him to carry on. ‘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.’

He concluded his tribute by sending love to his family: ‘Thinking of my siblings and all my wider family today as we remember my father Lincoln, my hero and inspiration.’

Messages of Support Pour In

Following Richards’ announcement, a wave of support and condolences came from the football community. Players and former teammates expressed their sympathy. Joe Hart, the ex-England and Manchester City goalkeeper who was also working in Atlanta, sent a message of solidarity: ‘Sending love Meeks… here for you all. RIP Lincoln.’ Fellow pundit and former England international Jill Scott also shared her condolences, stating, ‘Thinking of you and your family Micah.’

James Maddison, the Tottenham Hotspur midfielder, offered his support, writing, ‘Sending love mate.’ Jamie Carragher, who frequently works with Richards on television, also conveyed his sympathy: ‘Sending love to you & all the family.’

The Enduring Influence of Lincoln Richards

Micah Richards has often spoken publicly about the significant role his father played in shaping his career and character. Lincoln Richards, who immigrated to the UK from St. Kitts in the 1960s, instilled strong values in his son. In a 2007 interview, Micah recalled his upbringing in Chapeltown, Leeds, an area that presented challenges.

‘I grew up in Chapeltown, a rough area of Leeds,’ Richards had said. ‘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. 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.’

He emphasized his father’s unwavering support, noting, ‘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 been supposed to be in the squad.’

Even in 2023, Richards referred to his father as ‘my rock and my hero.’ While their relationship evolved following his parents’ separation, the deep bond and the foundational principles Lincoln Richards imparted remained evident throughout Micah’s life and career.

A Difficult Decision Made with Respect

The decision to continue with the BBC broadcast, moments after learning of his father’s death, underscores the profound sense of duty and respect Richards felt towards his father’s memory and the audience. It highlights the immense pressure public figures can face, balancing personal grief with professional commitments. The outpouring of support from colleagues and friends demonstrates the high regard in which Richards is held within the football world, offering a measure of comfort during this incredibly difficult time.