Tributes pour in for ex-Arsenal youth striker who died after injury

Tributes poured in Thursday for Billy Vigar, 21, a former Arsenal academy striker who died after sustaining a serious brain injury during a game at Wingate & Finchley FC last weekend. Vigar sustained the injury when he collided with a concrete wall during an away match at Wingate & Finchley. He died on Thursday after several days in an induced coma. The exact cause of the injury has not been officially confirmed, but the incident has sparked immediate concern among players, clubs and safety advocates.

A Worthing-born footballer and graduate of the Arsenal academy, Vigar also had spells with Derby County, Eastbourne Borough and Hastings United. Floral tributes were left at Chichester City FC’s ground, where Vigar played while with the club, as fans and teammates mourned the loss of a player described by many as talented beyond his years.

A petition calling for a ban on brick walls around football pitches has received more than 2,300 signatures. Launched by Jack Mison, it states: "Billy's passing is not an isolated incident—countless players at all levels have suffered serious injuries, including broken bones, concussions, and life-altering trauma, as a result of these dangerous barriers. These walls serve no essential sporting purpose, yet they create an undeniable and avoidable hazard." Luke Griggs, chief executive of brain injury charity Headway UK, said the tragedy should be a catalyst for further discussions about mitigating the risk of head injuries in lower-league grounds, noting that this is the second such incident in recent years, with Alex Fletcher of Bath City suffering a career-ending injury in a similar incident.

Wingate & Finchley said everyone at the club is "deeply saddened" by the 21-year-old’s death and offered condolences to Billy’s family and to Chichester City FC. Chichester City, whose match against Lewes on Saturday has been postponed, posted: "Rest in peace Billy. Forever in the hearts of all at Chichester City Football Club." Tributes have flowed from many corners of the football world, including Vigar’s former clubs Arsenal, Derby County, Eastbourne Borough and Hastings United.

Chichester City FC season-ticket holder James Wilson described Vigar’s death as "so, so tragic" and said he was grateful not to have been at the game, adding that he could not imagine what the players who were on the field were going through in the aftermath. Wingate & Finchley announced the postponement of their weekend match as teams, players and staff processed the loss of a young player who had been pursuing his professional ambitions while balancing life in the semi-professional game.

The incident has intensified calls for safer design of grounds at the lower levels of English football. While full stadium rebuilds are not feasible for many clubs, advocates argue that affordable measures could reduce the risk of head injuries without compromising the sport’s character. Headway UK’s remarks echoed that sentiment, emphasizing the need for evidence-based, practical steps to minimize injury risk at grassroots venues.

Vigar’s career path and his potential were noted by the clubs with which he was associated. Arsenal acknowledged him as a former academy player, while Derby County, Eastbourne Borough and Hastings United offered condolences to his family and friends. The tributes reflect a wider recognition across the football community of the fragility of health at all levels of the game and the shared responsibility to protect players on every pitch.

As investigators and league officials review the circumstances surrounding the injury, friends, family and supporters continue to mourn. The incident has underscored the ongoing conversation about safety at small grounds, where aging infrastructure, limited budgets and traditional layouts can present unique hazards. In the meantime, Chichester City and Wingate & Finchley have both emphasized their commitment to supporting players and staff through this difficult period, and to honoring Billy Vigar’s memory in the weeks ahead.