Ex-Man City and England star Micah Richards thought he made a grave error by nearly mentioning another broadcaster on the BBC while analysing Portugal's shootout win over Slovenia
Gary Lineker has told Micah Richards the BBC would not punish him for name-dropping another broadcaster on air.
Richards thought he broke the 'golden rule' of broadcasting on BBC One on Monday night while covering Portugal’s Euro 2024 last-16 penalty shootout win over Slovenia. Joined by Lineker, Alan Shearer and Jose Fonte, the former Manchester City defender analysed Portugal’s disappointing first-half display at the break, mentioning that he had a connection with their manager Roberto Martinez.
Richards highlighted Martinez’s knowledge of tactics, leading Lineker to become confused as to when he was coached by the Catalan. Richards then sheepishly revealed he meant as a pundit on “another broadcaster”.
“I said on BBC that I worked with him [Martinez]” Richards said. “I didn’t want to name CBS on BBC.”
Lineker responded: “I don’t know why, that would have been fine. It’s an American broadcaster, Micah. Even if you’re working on Sky with him, that would’ve been fine as well. That’s not a BBC thing [to punish Richards]. Trust me.”
The presenter continued: “When you said ‘I worked with him’, I was thinking ‘Christ, which club did Micah work with him for?’” before Shearer chimed in with: “You can say what you want man, you’re the biggest pundit now on the BBC!”
Alongside his regular role as a BBC pundit on Match of the Day, Richards is known for his lively demeanour on CBS Sports Golazo’s coverage of the Champions League, along with his work for Sky Sports.
The trio also discussed Martinez’s handling of Cristiano Ronaldo - who stole the show against Slovenia - mainly for the wrong reasons. The 39-year-old captain missed several free-kicks, missed a penalty in extra time and then burst into tears, before redeeming himself by tucking away a spot-kick on penalties.
Shearer explained: “I said before a ball was kicked that if Portugal are to go deep into the tournament it all depends on how Martinez handles Ronaldo. He’s played every game. That game summed it up that, that’s how it’s going to be for Portugal, it has to be about Ronaldo.
“He’s 39-years-old. Clearly, he’s not as good as he was or as sharp in the box. He demands to play every game and take every free-kick. Then the penalty miss and he burst into tears. It was hysterical.”
Lineker added: “I think Martinez has handled him really well. You either tell Ronaldo you’re completely in or completely out. If he took him off in that game, that would’ve caused uproar in the camp. It’s a delicate issue.”