The Soccer Affiliation (FA) has introduced an pressing security evaluation of perimeter partitions at soccer grounds within the Nationwide League system, following the tragic demise of 21-year-old Billy Vigar.
Vigar, a former Arsenal youth striker, handed away on Thursday after struggling a severe mind harm whereas enjoying for Chichester Metropolis in a match at Wingate & Finchley FC final Saturday.
It’s believed the harm might have occurred when he collided with a concrete wall, though this has not been formally confirmed by the membership.
A petition calling for a ban on brick or concrete partitions round soccer pitches has already gained over 4,000 signatures.
FA Responds with Fast Motion
In an announcement, the FA stated:
“We’ll now perform a right away evaluation, working with leagues, golf equipment and different key individuals within the recreation, to take a look at the security of partitions and limitations round pitches within the Nationwide League system.”
The FA added that the evaluation would additionally discover how you can assist golf equipment make adjustments at their grounds to scale back dangers and enhance security for gamers.
PFA and Others Name for Change
The Skilled Footballers’ Affiliation (PFA) additionally known as for a full investigation, saying no participant ought to face “pointless and avoidable threat”.
PFA chief govt Maheta Molango stated:
“It’s vital to verify we haven’t missed any probability to make soccer grounds safer. Our ideas are with Billy’s household and buddies. Gamers ought to at all times really feel protected after they exit to play or practice.”
This isn’t the primary time considerations have been raised. In June 2023, the federal government and PFA wrote to soccer authorities, together with the FA and Premier League, urging them to take participant security extra severely — particularly after Tub Metropolis’s Alex Fletcher fractured his cranium in an identical incident in 2022.
Mind Harm Charity Urges Motion
Luke Griggs, CEO of mind harm charity Headway, informed BBC Sport:
“This tragedy is even more durable to just accept as a result of the warnings had been there. Motion have to be taken — we are able to’t permit this to occur once more.”
He additionally known as for soccer’s greatest organisations to assist fund security enhancements at smaller golf equipment.
“We’d like help from the FA, PFA, native councils, and sponsors. Whereas long-term options are discovered, even padding current concrete partitions would assist. With the sum of money in soccer, this concern can’t be ignored.”
Remembering Billy Vigar
Billy Vigar got here via Arsenal’s academy and left the membership in 2024. He additionally performed for Derby County, Eastbourne Borough, and Hastings United.
Talking concerning the tragedy, Arsenal supervisor Mikel Arteta stated:
“It’s surprising information. Right away, your ideas go to his household. Hopefully we are able to perceive what went incorrect and cease it from occurring once more. It’s actually unhappy, and our hearts exit to everybody who knew him.”
The soccer neighborhood continues to pay tribute to Vigar, whereas requires improved security measures develop louder throughout the nation
