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
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.
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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."
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'.
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."
Vigar joined Arsenal's youth set-up on schoolboy terms aged 14 before earning a full-time scholarship for the 2020/21 season.
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."
Chichester City have postponed Saturday's scheduled match against Lewes.