Former Arsenal striker Billy Vigar's death prompts FA to finally make important decision

The Football Association (FA) has announced plans to review the safety of perimeter walls and boundaries at non-league football grounds in light of the tragic passing of Billy Vigar.

The former Arsenal striker died on Thursday after sustaining an injury during a match for Chichester City against Wingate and Finchley.

Following Vigar's death, which prompted a petition for improved safety measures, the FA has responded with a commitment to investigate stadium safety within the National League System.

The incident that led to the young footballer's injury caused the match on Saturday to be halted after just 10 minutes.

Chichester City later confirmed that Vigar had suffered a severe brain injury and underwent emergency surgery, but sadly passed away from his injuries on Thursday.

In their statement, the FA expressed deep sorrow over Vigar's death: "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."

It is understood that he struck the barrier whilst trying to prevent the ball from going out of play.

The FA have announced that the striker will be honoured throughout National League system fixtures and FA Cup ties, with the third qualifying round scheduled for this weekend.

The 21-year-old's former club Arsenal also released a statement sending their condolences.

"Everyone at Arsenal is devastated by the shocking news that former academy graduate Billy Vigar has passed away," a club tribute read.

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

Gunners head coach Mikel Arteta also spoke on the tragic incident. "Well, it's shocking news, when I got it yesterday, obviously," he said in a press conference.

"So straight away thinking about the family and how difficult it is to go through something like this in a very unexpected way as well. And hopefully they will dig in and understand what happened, why it happened and try to avoid these kind of things. But really sad news, and our full support with the family and our thoughts with all the loved ones."

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