The Football Association (FA) has announced an immediate safety review of perimeter walls at National League football grounds following the death of former Arsenal youth player Billy Vigar. The 21-year-old striker died on Thursday after sustaining a severe brain injury during a match for Chichester City against Wingate and Finchley FC last Saturday, believed to have been caused by a collision with a concrete wall.

Petition and Calls for Action

A petition demanding the removal of brick walls near pitches has garnered over 4,000 signatures, amplifying pressure on football authorities. The FA stated it would collaborate with leagues, clubs, and stakeholders to "identify and implement measures to mitigate safety risks" at stadiums. This follows repeated warnings from safety advocates, including brain injury charity Headway, which emphasized the need for urgent reforms.

Past Incidents and Warnings

The tragedy echoes a 2022 incident where Bath City’s Alex Fletcher fractured his skull after hitting a concrete advertising hoarding. Headway CEO Luke Griggs criticized delayed action, stating, "This tragedy is even harder to bear, knowing the warnings were there." The Professional Footballers’ Association (PFA) also urged a full investigation, with CEO Maheta Molango stressing players must "not be put at unnecessary risk."

Football Community Reacts

Vigar, who left Arsenal’s academy in 2024, was mourned by former club manager Mikel Arteta, who called the news "shocking" and emphasized support for his family. The FA’s review coincides with growing demands for Premier League and EFL clubs to fund safety upgrades at lower-league venues. Griggs proposed interim measures like padding walls, urging football’s financial giants to "step forward and take ownership."

Authorities now face mounting pressure to transform stadium safety standards, ensuring such tragedies become a relic of football’s past.

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#FA ** #Football Safety #Billy Vigar #Perimeter Walls #Head Injury