What is the origin of sports players wearing black armbands?

Sports players will frequently wear black armbands to commemorate the death of a teammate or close colleague – for instance, the Liverpool/Manchester City players are wearing them today in memory of the Motherwell captain who passed away yesterday.

My question(s) are:

(a) Where did the wearing of black armbands first originate? Would I be correct in guessing that it’s something to do with the military?
(b) When was the first recorded instance of sports players wearing black armbands?

The wearing of black armbands is a custom which originated in Ancient Egypt and came to the West through Republican Rome, when the Toga pulla made of dark-coloured wool was worn during periods of mourning. I dont know when it was first used by sportsmen.

2 Responses to “What is the origin of sports players wearing black armbands?”

  1. chrissy f says:

    The wearing of black armbands is a custom which originated in Ancient Egypt and came to the West through Republican Rome, when the Toga pulla made of dark-coloured wool was worn during periods of mourning. I dont know when it was first used by sportsmen.
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  2. salmonbellies16 says:

    great answer by the young lady brilliant . death president garfield . second us enter world war i . sad tradition when it is worn for a meanigless death . the young lady is brilliant . if she is american fake her i d to the age of 35 and save a ton of money on election
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