FA Orders Urgent Review After Death of Former Arsenal Striker Billy Vigar

The Football Association has announced it will launch an urgent review into the safety of perimeter structures at non-league football grounds following the tragic death of former Arsenal academy striker Billy Vigar, Sport360NG reports.

Vigar, 21, passed away on Thursday after suffering a severe brain injury during Chichester City’s match against Wingate & Finchley last weekend. While reports suggest he may have struck a concrete wall, the club has yet to confirm the cause.

His death has sparked renewed calls for action on ground safety, with an online petition demanding the removal of brick walls around pitches already attracting over 4,000 signatures.

In a statement, the FA confirmed:
“We will now conduct an immediate review, working with leagues, clubs and stakeholders across the game. The review will focus on perimeter walls and boundaries around pitches in the National League system. This will include exploring how we can help clubs identify risks and implement measures to improve player safety.”

The Professional Footballers’ Association (PFA) has also urged a full investigation, stressing that footballers should not be placed in avoidable danger.
“It is crucial we ensure no opportunities to make grounds safer have been missed,” said PFA chief executive Maheta Molango. “Our thoughts are with Billy’s family and friends during this devastating time, and we will continue to support them.”

Concerns about ground safety had already been raised last year when Bath City’s Alex Fletcher sustained a fractured skull after colliding with a concrete advertising board in November 2022. In June 2023, the government and PFA wrote to the FA, Premier League, EFL and National League urging stronger action.

Brain injury charity Headway said the tragedy highlighted a failure to act sooner.
“This is even more heartbreaking because the dangers were already known,” said chief executive Luke Griggs. “We need urgent collaboration between the FA, PFA, local authorities and sponsors to fund changes. In the meantime, padding walls could be a simple step to protect players. Football cannot afford to ignore this.”

Vigar, who left Arsenal’s youth set-up in 2024, also played for Derby County, Eastbourne Borough and Hastings United before joining Chichester City.

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta expressed his sorrow during a press conference on Friday:
“It is shocking news. Straight away you think about the family and what they must be going through. Hopefully, lessons can be learned to ensure this never happens again. Our thoughts are with everyone who loved Billy.”