• Football
  • Boxing
  • UFC
  • Home
  • Football
    • England
    • Transfer News
    • Premier League
    • Champions League
    • Lionel Messi
    • Cristiano Ronaldo
    • EA FC 25
    • Wrexham
  • Boxing
    • Tyson Fury
    • Anthony Joshua
    • Oleksandr Usyk
    • Mike Tyson
    • Jake Paul
    • Logan Paul
  • UFC
    • Dana White
    • Conor McGregor
    • Khabib Nurmagomedov
    • Jon Jones
    • Paddy Pimblett
    • Joe Rogan
  • Other Sport
    • Athletics
    • Formula 1
    • MMA
    • Motorsport
    • NBA
    • Darts
    • NFL
    • Snooker
    • Wrestling
    • Tennis
    • Cricket
    • Golf
  • Advertise
  • Terms
  • Privacy & Cookies
  • LADbible Group
  • LADbible
  • UNILAD
  • GAMINGbible
  • Tyla
  • UNILAD Tech
  • FOODbible
  • License Our Content
  • About Us & Contact
  • Jobs
  • Latest
  • Topics A-Z
  • Authors
Facebook
Instagram
X
Threads
Snapchat
TikTok
YouTube
FA Release Statement After Death of Ex-Arsenal Academy Player From Brain Injury

Home> Football> Football News

Updated 17:25 26 Sep 2025 GMT+1Published 17:19 26 Sep 2025 GMT+1

FA Release Statement After Death of Ex-Arsenal Academy Player From Brain Injury

The FA have launched a review following the passing of Billy Vigar.

Nasir Jabbar

Nasir Jabbar

The FA have launched an 'immediate review' following the tragic passing of former Arsenal youth player Billy Vigar.

Vigar, who played in Arsenal's academy, died aged 21 after an incident at a non-league match.

He was playing for Chichester City when he suffered a significant brain injury during last weekend's game at Wingate and Finchley FC.

Vigar was taken to hospital and placed into an induced coma before he had surgery on Tuesday.

Advert

On Thursday, however, Chichester City announced his death.

A club statement read: "It is with great sadness that Chichester City Football Club has to confirm the passing of Billy Vigar.

"We request that his family's privacy is respected at this most difficult time. Rest in peace Billy. Forever in the hearts of all at Chichester City Football Club."

Billy Vigar played for Arsenal's academy. Image: Getty
Billy Vigar played for Arsenal's academy. Image: Getty

Advert

It is thought Vigar's injury was caused when he collided with a concrete wall, but the club has not confirmed this.

However, a petition calling for a ban on brick walls around football pitches has since been launched and has received more than 4,000 signatures.

The FA have now released a statement in the wake of Vigar's passing and plan to conduct an 'immediate review' of the incident.

They said their focus will be on the 'safety of perimeter walls and boundaries around pitches in the National League system'.

Advert

It read: "We are deeply saddened by the passing of Billy Vigar. Our thoughts and heartfelt condolences are with his family, friends, loved ones, and everyone at Chichester City FC, and tributes will be paid to Billy at National League System and Emirates FA Cup games this weekend.

"Whilst the health and safety of participants and spectators at the National League System level is the responsibility of the clubs and their local authorities, 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."

Billy Vigar during an Arsenal youth game against Sparta Prague. Image: Getty
Billy Vigar during an Arsenal youth game against Sparta Prague. Image: Getty

Vigar joined Arsenal's youth set-up on schoolboy terms aged 14 before earning a full-time scholarship for the 2020/21 season.

Advert

The forward left the Gunners in 2024 after playing once in the EFL Trophy.

In a statement, Arsenal said: "Everyone at Arsenal is devastated by the shocking news that former academy graduate Billy Vigar has passed away.

"All our thoughts are with his family and loved ones at this time. Rest in peace, Billy."

Speaking at a press conference on Friday, Mikel Arteta added: "Hopefully they can understand how it happened, and why it happened, and obviously try to avoid this kind of thing."

Advert

Chichester City have postponed Saturday's scheduled match against Lewes.

Featured Image Credit: Getty

Topics: Football, Arsenal

Nasir Jabbar
Nasir Jabbar

Nasir Jabbar is a journalist at SPORTbible. He graduated from Bath Spa University with a BA in Media Communications. He's a combat sport aficionado and has contributed to MMA websites AddictedMMA and CagePotato. Nasir has covered some of the biggest fights, while interviewing the likes of Conor McGregor, Anthony Joshua, Tyson Fury and Darren Till. He's also an avid Bristol City fan.

X

@NasJabbar

Advert

Advert

Advert

Choose your content:

an hour ago
2 hours ago
  • Getty
    an hour ago

    Odds Released for 2026 Ballon d'Or as Two Clear Favourites Emerge

    The dust has barely settled on Ousmane Dembele’s triumph and punters are already looking ahead to next year’s award.

    Football
  • Getty
    an hour ago

    Eduardo Camavinga 'Decides' Next Move Amid Man Utd and Man City Interest

    The Real Madrid star has struggled for minutes under new boss Xabi Alonso.

    Football
  • Liverpool FC / Contributor via Getty
    2 hours ago

    Five Players Liverpool Could Sign after Devastating Giovanni Leoni Injury Blow

    Arne Slot could be tempted into the transfer market for a centre-back

    Football
  • Getty
    2 hours ago

    Marcus Rashford Subjected to Vile Racist Abuse as Shocking Footage Emerges

    The Manchester United forward - currently on loan at Barcelona - was abused by a section of Real Oviedo supporters on September 25.

    Football
  • National League Club Post Strong Statement As Ex-Arsenal Player Dies From Brain Injury
  • Arsenal Issue Statement as Ex-Player Placed in Coma After Horrific Incident
  • FA release statement as decision made on Myles Lewis-Skelly suspension after Arsenal appeal
  • Arsenal suffer fresh injury blow as key player withdraws from international squad