Micah Richards was on air for the BBC for England's World Cup semi-final defeat to Argentina, but the former Manchester City defender had received the tragic news of his father Lincoln's death before the game
07:56, 16 Jul 2026Updated 08:06, 16 Jul 2026
Jamie Carragher and Micah Richards
Jamie Carragher and Micah Richards(Image: James Gill - Danehouse, Getty Images)
Jamie Carragher showed his support after Micah Richards disclosed that his father had died shortly before he went on air for the World Cup semi-final.
Richards has become a recognizable presence to fans through his work on Sky Sports and CBS Sports' Champions League coverage. Throughout this summer's competition, he has been appearing for the BBC and travelled to the US for England's heartbreaking loss to Argentina.
Enzo Fernandez and Lautaro Martinez netted late goals to overturn Anthony Gordon's opener and secure a final showdown with Spain on Sunday. The exuberant Argentina celebrations may prove controversial, however, after displaying a political banner on the pitch.
Richards posted on social media following the match to announce the tragic loss of his father Lincoln.
The former Manchester City defender stated: "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.", reports the Mirror US.
"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."
Micah Richards
Micah Richards announced his father's passing(Image: CameraSport via Getty Images)
Richards garnered support from throughout the footballing world, with CBS colleague and former Liverpool defender Carragher replying: "Sending love to you and all the family."
The loss proved especially painful for England as their quest for a World Cup final appearance continues. They will now face France in the third-place play-off on Saturday.
Speaking on BBC Sport, Richards identified Lionel Messi as the determining factor, though he believed England could have performed considerably better.
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He continued: "There are moments in games. That is why Messi is the greatest. It was a mentality thing. It is almost like England gave Messi too much respect in that second half.
"You have to concentrate. England did it so well in the first half, there was heart, desire, everything. But in the second half, England dropped too deep and gave Argentina too much respect."