Wimbledon honored Liverpool star Diogo Jota, who died in a car crash with his brother Andre Silva in Zamora, Spain on July 3, by allowing Portuguese player Francisco Cabral to wear a black ribbon during his doubles match on Friday, making an exception to their strict all-white dress code.The 28-year-old Jota and his brother were traveling to catch a ferry to England for pre-season training when the accident occurred. The tragedy happened shortly after Jota’s wedding to Rute Cardoso, with whom he had three children. Following his tragic demise, Premier League clubs, players and teammates shared messages and condolences for Jota’s family.The All England Club made a special allowance for Cabral to wear the black ribbon on his shirt sleeve during his second-round doubles match.Cabral, who learned about the news while driving to Wimbledon, shared his thoughts about Jota: “I know what he’s been through, what he conquered through his career and through his life. So he’s just very inspiring for me.”
“I just wish all the best for his family. I know they have good people around them so I hope they can get through it,” Cabral added after losing his match with Austrian partner Lucas Miedler against Czech pair Petr Nouza and Patrik Rikl.Cabral praised Jota as “an idol, such an icon, such a good person.”
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Should the All England Club continue to make exceptions to their dress code for tributes?
British doubles player Neal Skupski, a passionate Liverpool supporter, had brought a black armband for his Thursday match but chose not to wear it.Regarding wearing the armband in future matches, Skupski stated, “Maybe in the next couple of days.”
