The Football Association (FA) has announced an immediate safety review of perimeter walls at football grounds within the National League system. This decision comes in the wake of the tragic death of Billy Vigar, a 21-year-old former Arsenal youth player, who sustained a significant brain injury during a match last Saturday.

Incident Details

Vigar was playing for Chichester City at Wingate and Finchley FC when the incident occurred. It is believed that he collided with a concrete wall, although the club has not officially confirmed this. The young striker passed away on Thursday, leaving the football community in shock.

FA's Response

In a statement, the FA 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."

The review will aim to identify and implement additional safety measures to mitigate potential risks. This includes exploring ways to assist National League system clubs in enhancing the safety of their stadiums.

Calls for Action

The Professional Footballers' Association (PFA) has called for a full investigation, emphasizing that players should not be put at unnecessary and avoidable risk. PFA chief executive Maheta Molango stated:

"It is vital to ensure opportunities to make grounds safer for players have not been missed."

Molango also expressed condolences to Vigar's family and friends, offering support during this difficult time.

Previous Warnings

This tragedy follows a similar incident in November 2022, when Alex Fletcher of Bath City suffered a fractured skull after colliding with a concrete advertising hoarding. In June 2023, the government and the PFA had already urged football authorities to adopt a more proactive approach to player safety.

Community and Stakeholder Involvement

Luke Griggs, chief executive of brain injury charity Headway, highlighted the need for collaboration:

"It would need a collaboration with the FA, PFA, local authorities, and sponsors to actually help these clubs to make the changes that are needed."

Griggs also suggested interim measures, such as padding all concrete walls, to prevent further tragedies.

Arsenal's Tribute

Vigar, a graduate of the Arsenal academy, had also played for Derby County, Eastbourne Borough, and Hastings United. Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta expressed his sorrow:

"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."

Arteta emphasized the importance of understanding the incident to prevent future occurrences.

Conclusion

The football community is united in grief and determination to ensure such a tragedy does not happen again. The FA's immediate safety review is a crucial step towards enhancing player safety across all levels of the game.