Micah Richards provided his usual insightful analysis of England’s dramatic 2-1 defeat to Argentina in the World Cup semi-finals on Wednesday.
The former Manchester City defender assessed where it went wrong for the Three Lions as Thomas Tuchel’s side sat back in an effort to protect their 1-0 lead and conceded two late, Lionel Messi-assisted goals.
And the BBC pundit’s efforts were admirable given what he revealed on social media after the match.
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Richards reveals loss of father
Richards posted on Instagram to explain that he had tragically lost his father just before going on air.
“Not long before going on air today, I received the awful news that my father Lincoln had passed away,” he 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.
“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.”
There were plenty of condolences sent to Richards in the comments of the post.
Sky Sports and The Overlap podcast sent their love to the pundit and his family.
Former F1 driver Jenson Button offered his prayers to Richards, while fellow pundit Karen Carney said: “Sending love Micah, he will be so proud.”
Richards also got messages of support from two fellow defenders in John Terry and Harry Maguire, as well as Gordon Ramsay and Clarence Seedorf.
