After Ex-Arsenal Academy Forward Billy Vigar Dies From Suffering Brain Injury At 21, League Launches Study Of Pitch Walls

Former Arsenal academy forward Billy Vigar has passed away after suffering a “significant brain injury” during a match last weekend. He was 21.

Vigar, who was playing for seventh-tier English side Chichester City, suffered the injury on September 20 in a game against Wingate and Finchley. The club announced the player had been taken to intensive care and put into an induced coma.

Vigar underwent surgery the following day. The club confirmed the player died on Thursday morning.

“It is with great sadness that Chichester City Football Club has to confirm the passing of Billy Vigar,” the statement said.

“Rest in peace, Billy. Forever in the hearts of all at Chichester City Football Club.”

On Friday, the English Football Association announced it would review boundary walls around soccer fields in the country.

“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,” the FA wrote.

Vigar joined Arsenal’s academy system when he was 14. He made five appearances for the under-21 team before having loan spells at Derby County U21 and Eastbourne. He joined Hashtag United in the summer of 2024, where he spent one season before signing with Chichester last August.

Arsenal, in addition to other English clubs across the country, released a statement regarding the former academy prospect.

“Everyone at Arsenal is devastated by the shocking news that former academy graduate Billy Vigar has passed away,” the club said. “All our thoughts are with his family and loved ones at this time.”

Chichester also confirmed that its upcoming game against Lewes FC has been postponed.