For the first time in its history, Wimbledon will relax its strict all-white dress code to allow players to wear black armbands in memory of Diogo Jota, the Liverpool footballer who died in a tragic car crash on Thursday, July 3.

Traditionally, players at Wimbledon are required to wear all-white clothing while playing. But this time, they will be allowed to wear black armbands on their sleeves as a sign of respect. The decision was confirmed by the All England Lawn Tennis Club, which organises the tournament, and reported by the Associated Press on Friday.

Diogo Jota and brother die in car crash

The 28-year-old Diogo Jota and his 25-year-old brother, Andre Silva, were killed in a car accident in northwestern Spain, near the city of Zamora. The accident happened just past midnight when the Lamborghini they were travelling in veered off the road and caught fire. Spanish Civil Guard officials confirmed that both brothers were found dead at the scene.

According to police, no other vehicles were involved in the crash. Early reports suggest that the accident might have happened due to a blown tire while they were trying to overtake another car. Forensic tests are still being done, and it is not yet known which of the brothers was driving the vehicle.

Video footage shared by Spanish media showed skid marks, a broken guardrail, and the burnt remains of the car. A truck driver passing by also recorded a video showing the vehicle engulfed in flames.

Reports say that Jota was on his way to Santander, a city in northern Spain, to catch a ferry back to England. Portuguese media reported that he may have been advised not to fly due to a recent lung procedure, but this has not been officially confirmed.

Jota’s death shocks football world

The news of Diogo Jota’s death has deeply shocked the football community. He had recently played a key role in helping Portugal win the UEFA Nations League on June 8. Jota was on summer break and was expected to return to Liverpool for preseason training soon.

Jota had recently married his long-time partner, Rute Cardoso, and the couple had three children, with the youngest born just last year. In a post on her wedding day, Cardoso had written, “Yes to forever.”

Liverpool Football Club released an emotional statement saying the club was “devastated” by the tragedy.
“Liverpool FC will be making no further comment at this time and requests that the privacy of Diogo and André’s family, friends, teammates, and club staff be respected as they try to come to terms with an unimaginable loss. We will continue to provide them with our full support,” the club said.

Wimbledon’s gesture of allowing black armbands will serve as a mark of respect and unity across the world of sports during this time of grief.

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