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Wimbledon's stunning move to break 148-year rule after death of Liverpool star Diogo Jota

Wimbledon's stunning move to break 148-year rule after death of Liverpool star Diogo Jota

Yahooa day ago
Wimbledon officials will allow players to break the tournament's strict dress code to wear black arm-bands in tribute of Liverpool football star Diogo Jota. The 28-year-old and his brother André Silva were killed in a car accident in Spain on Thursday when their Lamborghini veered off a road and burst into flames.
Jota and his brother were found dead near the north-western city of Zamora, and police are investigating the causes of the accident. Police said there were no other vehicles involved, and authorities are looking into whether the crash was caused by a blown tyre.
The 28-year-old Jota and his 25-year-old brother - both Portuguese players - were the only people in the car. Jota's death comes just days after he married Rute Cardoso, and the pair have three children - the youngest born last year.
The football community and entire sporting world have been rocked by the tragic death of the Liverpool superstar. In response, Wimbledon officials have moved to break their strict all-white dress code - which has been in place since 1877.
Players will be allowed to wear black arm-bands (which would normally be banned) if they want to pay tribute to Jota. Portuguese tennis player Francisco Cabral has already confirmed he will wear a black arm-band in his next match at the All England Club.
"I have seen the very sad news," Cabral said. "The guy is a big name, not just in Portugal but in the world. He was a great human being with a nice family and three kids. My best wishes to them all. For his family, it is very tough to recover from that... I couldn't get one [an arm-band] in time today, but I want to in the next one."
Jota played for Portugal's national team and helped them win the Nations League title last month. Silva played with Portuguese club Penafiel in the lower divisions.
Liverpool said the club was "devastated by the tragic passing." They wrote: "Liverpool FC will be making no further comment at this time and request the privacy of Diogo and Andre's family, friends, teammates and club staff is respected as they try to come to terms with an unimaginable loss. We will continue to provide them with our full support."
The Portuguese soccer federation and president Pedro Proença said the nation was "completely devastated." Proença said in the statement: "More than a fantastic player, with almost 50 appearances for the national team, Diogo Jota was an extraordinary person, respected by all his colleagues and opponents. He had a contagious joy and was a reference in his community. We lost two champions. Their deaths represent an irreparable loss for Portuguese soccer and we will all do our best to honour their legacy daily."
Former Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp, who signed Jota from Wolves in 2020, admitted he's struggling to comprehend Jota's death. Klopp wrote on Instagram: "I'm heartbroken to hear about the passing of Diogo and his brother Andre. Diogo was not only a fantastic player, but also a great friend, a loving and caring husband and father! We will miss you so much!"
Liverpool's current head coach Arne Slot said everyone at the club will "stand together and be there for one another". Slot revealed they were in "absolute shock" and said on the club's website: "What to say? What can anyone say at a time like this when the shock and the pain is so incredibly raw?
"I wish I had the words but I know I do not. All I have are feelings that I know so many people will share about a person and a player we loved dearly and a family we care so much about."
Former Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard posted: "RIP Diogo. Condolences to his family and friends during this incredibly sad time."
Everyone at the Premier League is shocked and devastated to learn of the tragic passing of Diogo Jota and his brother Andre. Our sincerest condolences go to Diogo's family, friends, Liverpool FC, and all their supporters at this heartbreaking time. Football has lost a champion… pic.twitter.com/KG4coUHY1P
— Premier League (@premierleague) July 3, 2025
On behalf of the European football community, we are deeply saddened to learn of the tragic passing of Diogo Jota, Portugal international and Liverpool FC forward, along with his brother André Silva.Our thoughts are with their family, friends, teammates and all those affected… pic.twitter.com/kYCJiZMcX0
— UEFA (@UEFA) July 3, 2025
Everyone at Manchester City is shocked and saddened to learn about the devastating news regarding the passing of Diogo Jota.We send our heartfelt condolences to his family and friends and everyone at Liverpool Football Club at this difficult time.Rest in peace, Diogo. pic.twitter.com/gDZChUlRw0
— Manchester City (@ManCity) July 3, 2025
Diogo Jota and his wife had been together since they were teenagers. 💔 pic.twitter.com/MoNSObQ701
— The Touchline | Football Coverage (@TouchlineX) July 3, 2025
This is Diogo Jota's last ever career goal. Rest in peace. ♾️❤️ pic.twitter.com/dSdhJ4B9Pl
— EuroFoot (@eurofootcom) July 3, 2025
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