The Football Association has announced an urgent review into the safety of perimeter walls at football grounds across the National League system following the tragic death of 21-year-old striker and former Arsenal academy player, Billy Vigar.
Vigar, who played for Chichester City, passed away on Thursday after sustaining a “significant brain injury” during last weekend’s match at Wingate and Finchley FC.
Although it is widely believed he collided with a concrete wall, the club has not formally confirmed the cause of the injury.
In response, more than 4,000 people have signed a petition demanding the removal of brick walls around football pitches.
An FA statement, shared via BBC Sport, said, “We will now conduct an immediate review, working with leagues, clubs and relevant stakeholders across the game, that will focus on the safety of perimeter walls and boundaries around pitches in the National League system.
“This will include looking at ways we can assist National League system clubs to identify and implement additional measures at their stadiums that they determine will help to mitigate any potential safety risks.”
The Professional Footballers’ Association also urged a thorough investigation, warning that no player should face “unnecessary and avoidable risk.”
PFA chief executive Maheta Molango emphasized: “Opportunities to make grounds safer for players have not been missed.”
Vigar, a product of Arsenal’s academy before leaving in 2024, also featured for Derby County, Eastbourne Borough and Hastings United during his career.
Reacting to the devastating news, Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta told reporters on Friday, “Hopefully they can understand how it happened, and why it happened, and obviously try to avoid this kind of thing.
“It is shocking news. Straight away you’re thinking about the family, and how difficult it is to go through something like this in a very unexpected way.
“Hopefully they can understand how it happened, and why it happened, and obviously try to avoid this kind of thing.
“Really sad news, and our thoughts are with the family and all his loved ones.”
