Wimbledon breaks iconic dress code after 148 years following death of Diogo Jota
Wimbledon is breaking its dress code for players following the death of Portugal and Liverpool footballer Diogo Jota.
Jota and his brother Andre died in a car crash yesterday (3 July), with police saying that their investigation suggests a tyre on their car blew out, causing them to go off the road before their Lamborghini caught fire.
Their deaths have shocked the world of sport, with many tributes being made to the memory of the brothers, including from former teammates and managers.
Others who may wish to pay tribute are the players currently competing at Wimbledon, and it seems they will be permitted to do so as the rules on dress codes are being relaxed following the tragic event.
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The tennis competition has strict rules on what players can wear, with them required to wear all-white with a minimum of other colours intruding on their gear.
Only the smallest trim of a colour other than white is permitted at Wimbledon and players have been in trouble for breaking the rules before.
Australian tennis player Nick Kyrgios got in trouble for wearing a red hat once his match was over as the dress code is in effect the whole time players are on court.
However, Wimbledon players will be allowed to wear a black armband without getting in trouble if they wish to pay tribute to Jota.
One player who wants to take that opportunity is Portuguese doubles player Francisco Cabral, who spoke after he and Lucas Miedler defeated Jamie Murray and Rajeev Ram on Thursday.
Cabral said he didn't personally know Jota but described the footballer as 'such an idol' in his native Portugal.
"I got the news when I was driving to Wimbledon," Cabral said of learning about Jota's death. "I wish all the best for his family. He had great people around him. I hope they can get through it.
"He was really hard working, what he had come through, what he had conquered in his career and life. Very inspiring for me.
"He plays in the national team. One of the best teams in the world. I followed the games and when he scored, I was happy for him."
The tennis player said that Jota's death was 'in the back of my head while I was playing' and talked about getting a black armband on for his next match in tribute.
He said: "I need to get a black strip to put on my shirt. If someone can arrange that for me, I will be very, very happy to do it."
Topics: Diogo Jota, Wimbledon, Sport, Football
Joe Harker