Football chiefs to review use of concrete walls around pitches after ex-Arsenal academy star Billy Vigar's death at the age of 21 as FA release statement

The FA have released a statement following the tragic death of former Arsenal academy star Billy Vigar after he suffered a 'significant brain injury' during a match.

Vigar was placed in an induced coma having suffered the horrific injury while playing for Chichester City in a match at Wingate and Finchley in the Isthmian League Premier Division last Saturday.

Vigar had collided with a pitchside concrete wall while trying to keep the ball in play, with the match subsequently abandoned. 

After being placed in a coma, Vigar was operated on by doctors in a desperate bid to save his life on Tuesday, but 'the injury proved too much for him', his devastated club said when confirming his passing on Thursday.

Several fans have since urged footballing authorities to ban concrete walls around pitches in a bid to improve the safety of players.  A petition for 'Vigar's Law', which would implement such a ban, has already garnered more than 6,000 signatures at the time of writing. 

And, commenting on Vigar's passing and in response to those calls, the FA announced that they would conduct a review into the use of concrete walls around pitches.

'We are deeply saddened by the passing of Billy Vigar,' the FA's statement began.

'Our thoughts and heartfelt condolences are with his family, friends, loved ones, and everyone at Chichester City FC, and tributes will be paid to Billy at National League System and Emirates FA Cup games this weekend.

'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. 

'This will include looking at ways we can assist National League System clubs to identify and implement additional measures at their stadiums that they determine will help to mitigate any potential safety risks.'

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