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.
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.
“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.
“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.
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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.
