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3h ago

FA Orders Non-League Pitchside Safety Review After Death of Billy Vigar, 21

He suffered a significant brain injury after hitting a hard surface during Saturday’s non-league match.

Vigar playing for the Arsenal under-21 team on July 26, 2022.
Billy Vigar played during a match on November 30, 2022 in Borehamwood, England.
Billy Vigar of Arsenal during the Premier League match between Arsenal FC and Everton FC at Meadow Park on September 03, 2022 in Borehamwood, England.
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Overview

  • Chichester City released a family statement confirming Vigar was placed in an induced coma, underwent surgery on Tuesday, and died on Thursday morning, with a request for privacy.
  • The forward was injured early in the Isthmian League match at Wingate & Finchley after colliding with a concrete wall or hard surface; emergency services, including an air ambulance, attended and the game was abandoned shortly after.
  • Chichester’s weekend fixture against Lewes has been postponed, and the Isthmian League will observe a minute’s silence with players wearing black armbands across matches.
  • The FA said it will immediately review perimeter walls and boundaries at National League System grounds and work with leagues and clubs on measures to mitigate safety risks, with tributes planned at NLS and FA Cup games.
  • Vigar joined Arsenal’s academy at 14 and turned professional in 2022, later featuring for Derby’s U21s, Eastbourne Borough and Hastings United before signing for Chichester City this season.