Leeds grassroots pays tribute to Micah Richards' dad after sudden death | OneFootball

Leeds grassroots football has paid heartfelt tribute to Lincoln Richards after his death on Wednesday morning. He was central to the game in Chapeltown.

According to yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk, former England defender Micah Richards was told of his father’s sudden passing shortly before going on air as a BBC pundit for England’s World Cup semi-final with Argentina. England lost 2-1.

Lincoln, who moved from Basseterre to England in the 1960s, ran Sunday league side Chapeltown Fforde Grene with close friend Charlie Thomas. “There won't be a church big enough for him, there will be that many people coming,” said Thomas. He described Lincoln as inspiring and trustworthy.

Thomas said Lincoln regularly sent barrels of clothes and football kit to his home city of Basseterre, capital of Saint Kitts and Nevis. It is understood the family intend to continue the tradition.

Lincoln also helped run Yorkshire Amateurs, serving as chairman until 2017 after playing a key role in saving the club from closure in 2012. In 2007 he managed Chapeltown Brazil alongside Phil Harding.

Further tributes praised his warmth and community spirit. Colleagues recalled his support for Micah throughout his youth football and described him as a gentleman.

Despite the devastating news, Richards is expected to remain in the United States and will be part of the BBC’s team for Sunday’s World Cup Final between Spain and Argentina. On Instagram, the 38-year-old said his father “was my greatest fan” and “barely missed a game my entire life”.

Source: yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk