Match cancelled after former Arsenal striker's death amid safety concerns

The non-league match between Enfield Borough and Clapton CFC has been postponed following the tragic death of former Arsenal youth player Billy Vigar.

The former Arsenal forward suffered a 'significant' brain injury during a match for Chichester City at the Maurice Rebak Stadium.

Vigar was rushed to hospital and placed into an induced coma before undergoing surgery on Tuesday. Chichester confirmed their player had sadly passed away on Thursday.

The 21 year old is believed to have collided with a concrete wall while attempting to keep the ball in play. Now, the teams due to play next at the ground where the incident occurred have postponed their match and are calling for changes.

Clapton FC released a statement saying: "Saturday's game between Enfield Borough and the Clapton CFC Men's First Team at the Maurice Rebak Stadium has been postponed.

"In light of the death of Billy Vigar after an incident at the ground last week, no one felt it appropriate to play just a few days later.

"Our condolences to Billy's family and friends and his Chichester City team-mates. Action must be taken too on unsafe pitchside walls.

The heartbreaking circumstances surrounding Vigar's death have led to calls for the FA to take action. Mark White, owner and manager of Dorking Wanderers, is urging for the surroundings of all pitches to be made safe.

"All clubs need @FA to instruct an immediate enquiry into pitch surrounds," he expressed on X (formerly Twitter). "Many are dangerous and players always have to be cautious given the proximity from the pitch. But some simply do not move and are lethal. These need removing immediately."

The football world has been paying tribute to Vigar following the announcement of his passing by his club. Their statement read: "After sustaining a significant brain injury last Saturday, Billy Vigar was put in an induced coma.

"On Tuesday he needed an operation to aid any chances of recovery. Although this helped, the injury proved too much for him and he passed away on Thursday (25th) morning.

"The responses to the original update show how much Billy was thought of and loved within the sport. His family are devastated that this has happened whilst he was playing the sport that he loved.

Chichester added: "Rest in peace Billy. Forever in the hearts of all at Chichester City Football Club.

Arsenal, where Vigar honed his skills as a youth player before moving to Hastings United on a free transfer last summer, shared a statement expressing their heartbreak.

They wrote: "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. "

Hastings United said: "All of us at Hastings United are devastated to learn of the passing of Billy Vigar.

"We will always remember Billy's time at Hastings United with fondness. Our thoughts are with Billy's family, friends at this time. Rest In Peace Billy".

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