Two additional matches have been called off at the ground where Billy Vigar sustained a ‘significant’ brain injury that led to his death. The former Arsenal striker was representing Chichester City against Wingate and Finchley when the tragic incident unfolded. The player suffered his injuries at the Maurice Rebak Stadium after striking a concrete barrier whilst attempting to prevent the ball from going out of play. Following the collision, Vigar was put into an induced coma and underwent an operation on Tuesday, but sadly died on Thursday.
The venue where this heartbreaking accident occurred is now expected to have rubber safety barriers fitted, with voices throughout the football community urging the Football Association to implement reforms. Saturday’s fixture at the ground was scrapped, whilst Wingate and Finchley have confirmed they will not fulfil their next two scheduled home matches.
A club statement issued on Sunday declared: “Out of respect for the memory of Billy Vigar, the club has taken the decision to postpone this week’s two home fixtures on Tuesday night vs Folkestone and Thursday night’s FA youth Cup match. Following such tragic circumstances, there is currently no appetite for football at The Maurice Rebak Stadium.
“The club have been in full discussions with the FA and we would like to thank them for both their understanding and actions. We would also like to thank the Professional Footballers’ Association, who have been a support in dealing with our own players’ welfare.
“The club is incredibly mindful of the debate that followed Billy’s passing and intend to install rubber safety padding in the ground once it has received full accreditation from the relevant sanctioning authorities. We will be making no further comment.”
Vigar, a product of Arsenal’s youth system, played for the under-18s and under-21s before leaving on a free transfer just over a year ago. Mikel Arteta, in his pre-match press conference, expressed his condolences to the young player’s family.
“Well, it’s shocking news, when I got it yesterday, obviously,” he said. “So straight away thinking about the family and how difficult it is to go through something like this in a very unexpected way as well.
“And hopefully they will dig in and understand what happened, why it happened and try to avoid these kind of things. But really sad news, and our full support with the family and our thoughts with all the loved ones.”
