Micah Richards, a commentator for CBS Sports, was notably absent from the studio broadcast covering the crucial Champions League semi-final between Arsenal and PSG in Paris.
However, he wasn`t out of action. Instead of his usual spot in the broadcaster`s London studio, he was seen enjoying the pre-match atmosphere and celebrating with Arsenal supporters in the French capital before the game.
Richards, the former Manchester City and England defender, typically appears on the CBS panel alongside host Kate Abdo (formerly Scott) and fellow pundits Thierry Henry and Jamie Carragher.
But rather than preparing notes for the semi-final analysis, the known Arsenal enthusiast spent his afternoon soaking up the Parisian pre-match excitement ahead of the game.
CBS broadcast footage showing Richards arriving by train, then trying oysters and snails. His reaction to the oysters suggested he wasn`t a fan.
He was also seen interacting with fans from both Arsenal and PSG, posing for photos, and even bumped into Eintracht Frankfurt goalkeeper Kevin Trapp.
The CBS show has a history of its pundits getting involved in the fan experience, notably sending Jamie Carragher to Dortmund for a semi-final last year where his lively antics were widely reported.
Back in the studio, Jamie Carragher lightheartedly commented on Richards` potential for a wild night, referencing his own experience: “I think Paris is going to outdo Dortmund.” Kate Abdo responded, “It`s a high bar, Jamie.” Carragher added, “I think if Arsenal win, he`s going big.”
Another segment showed Richards caught in a mosh pit, celebrating amongst PSG supporters before making his way to the camera.
Upon reaching the camera, he enthusiastically described his adventure as “absolutely outstanding” and stated he was “absolutely loving it,” implying this hands-on approach was where he felt most at home.
Micah wasn`t the only CBS presence on the ground; pitchside reporters Peter Schmeichel and Anita Jones were also at the Parc des Princes.
Peter Schmeichel, the legendary 1999 Champions League winner, mentioned that his fellow pitchside reporter and Arsenal fan, Anita Jones, had been very nervous throughout the day.
Jones then shared a historical statistic unfavorable to Arsenal: only two teams in Champions League history had ever overturned a first-leg semi-final deficit.
Schmeichel pointed out that Ajax was involved in both those instances, winning one tie and losing the other.
Jones humorously concluded: “So that stat doesn`t count? Arsenal have no chance? Essentially that`s what he`s saying, Kate, we may as well go home. Micah and I will get on the next Eurostar.”
Meanwhile, another notable absence from football coverage was Rio Ferdinand on TNT Sports, who announced he was in hospital and would miss the match broadcast.
The Manchester United legend and 2008 Champions League winner posted an update from his hospital bed, expressing his disappointment at missing the game.
