Former footballer Gary Lineker has described the decision not to allow Lewis Hamilton access to the Royal Box on Centre Court at Wimbledon as 'England at its pompous worst'.
The Formula One world champion was turned away on Sunday after arriving to watch the men's singles final between Novak Djokovic and Roger Federer while not wearing a jacket or a tie.
Hamilton, who wore a floral shirt and suede shoes to the All England Club, was forced to miss Djokovic's four-set victory - but Match of the Day presenter Lineker believes the strict dress code is outdated and could have been relaxed.
The former Tottenham striker tweeted: 'Might be me, but turning away @LewisHamilton from the Royal box for not wearing a bloody jacket and tie shows England as its pompous worst.
Lewis Hamilton's invitation to the Royal Box at Wimbledon at the weekend.
'As expected many disagree. Actually it may all be about the crowd's dress sense rather than great sportspeople, sportsmanship and sport!'
Lineker's view was not shared by three-time Wimbledon runner-up Andy Roddick, who also took to Twitter to have his say.
Replying to the 54-year-old's initial tweet, Roddick wrote: 'Even when the invite says "please wear a jacket and tie?" ... This obnoxious American is ok w (sic) it.'
The American had earlier poked fun at his own clothes after sporting an untidy tie during BBC commentary duties alongside former fans' favourite Tim Henman.
He tweeted: 'I am horrible at tying a tie. My apologies to classy people everywhere #Wimbledon #canttieatie'
Hamilton's choice of attire was backed by retired Formula One driver and Sky Sports commentator Martin Brundle, who appeared less than impressed with the regulations.
He tweeted: 'If I invited Lewis Hamilton to an event I'd expect him to turn up looking like Lewis Hamilton, but rules are rules I guess.'
Hamilton, who said he was 'honoured' about his invite to the Royal Box before being turned away, was unhappy about missing another pulsating final between Djokovic and Federer.
A spokesman for the 30-year-old said: 'Due to an unfortunate misunderstanding regarding dress code at Wimbledon, Lewis is very disappointed to have missed the men's final.'
A Wimbledon spokesman said: 'If he was not adequately dressed you could infer that he would not have been let in, but we do not comment on our guests.
'If he came without a jacket, tie or shoes he would have had two choices - not staying or going to get some extra stuff.'