Wimbledon relax all-white dress code to allow Francisco Cabral to pay tribute to late Liverpool star Diogo Jota

Portuguese tennis player Francisco Cabral was given permission to break Wimbledon’s strict all-white dress code on Friday to honour the late Liverpool and Portugal star Diogo Jota. The footballer died in a car crash in the early hours of Thursday morning, alongside his brother Andre Silva. Cabral wore a black ribbon to honour Jota while competing in the men's doubles on Thursday and Friday.

Portugal’s Francisco Cabral was given permission to break Wimbledon’s strict all-white dress code on Friday to honour the late Liverpool star Diogo Jota.

Jota, 28, died in a car crash along with his brother Andre Silva, 25, early on Thursday morning in the Spanish province of Zamora.

Cabral, who was competing in the men’s doubles at Wimbledon, said the tournament had not allowed him to wear a black armband, but granted him approval to wear a small black ribbon. 

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"Yesterday, I came up with the idea of wearing a black strap, but that was not allowed," Cabral told CNN.

"The players' relations, they had a black ribbon, and I asked for permission. They let me play with it and I just did it this morning.

"It was an honour. It’s not for the best reason. But yeah, he was not only an inspiration to me but for the country in general, he meant so much in the sport. 

"He conquered so much in his life. So it was just an honour for me to try and help, if only 1% for the family and everybody."

Meanwhile, the AELTC said, via CNN: "We are always open to having conversations with players regarding such matters, and given the tragic circumstances, the Referee’s Office has approved the players wearing a black ribbon as a mark of respect and condolence."

Cabral and partner Lucas Miedler won their first-round match on Thursday, but were eliminated in the second round on Friday, losing 3-6 6-7 (9-11) to Petr Nouza and Patrik Rikl.

Cabral wore a black ribbon to honour Jota while competing in the men's doubles at Wimbledon.

Image credit: Getty Images

Jota was returning to Liverpool for pre-season when he crashed. Doctors had advised him against flying because he had undergone minor surgery, so he was making the journey by car and ferry. 

Jota married his long-term partner and mother to his three children, Rute Cardoso, just last month. 

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