Non-league side postpones games after Vigar death

Non-league Wingate & Finchley have postponed their next two home fixtures and will install safety padding around their ground in the wake of the death of Chichester City player Billy Vigar.

The 21-year-old striker died on Thursday after sustaining a "significant brain injury" while playing for Isthmian League Chichester at Wingate & Finchley on Saturday, 20 September.

It is understood the player collided with a concrete wall.

"Out of respect for the memory of Billy Vigar, the club has taken the decision to postpone this week's two home fixtures on Tuesday night vs Folkestone and Thursday night's FA Youth Cup match," said Wingate & Finchley in a statement.

"Following such tragic circumstances there is currently no appetite for football at the Maurice Rebak Stadium.

"The club have been in full discussions with the FA and we would like to thank them for both their understanding and actions.

"We would also like to thank the Professional Footballers' Association who have been a support in dealing with our own players' welfare.

"The club is incredibly mindful of the debate that followed Billy's passing and intend to install rubber safety padding in the ground once it has received full accreditation from the relevant sanctioning authorities."

On Friday, the Football Association said it would carry out an immediate safety review of perimeter walls at football grounds in the National League system.

That came after the PFA called for a full investigation and said players should "not be put at unnecessary and avoidable risk".

Wingate & Finchley and Chichester City's games on Saturday were postponed, while tributes to Vigar were paid at FA Cup and lower league matches.