Tributes for Billy Vigar laid at Chichester City FC ground

Billy Vigar, striker for Chichester City Football Club, died yesterday (September 26) after suffering a “significant brain injury” during a league match on Saturday.

It is understood that the 21-year-old collided with a concrete wall around the pitch at the club’s grounds. His death has led to many calling for these to be banned.

Billy Vigar(Image: Arsenal FC)

Chichester City FC confirmed Billy’s death in a post and a shared a statement from the family.

It said: “After sustaining a significant brain injury last Saturday, Billy Vigar was put in an induced coma. On Tuesday he needed an operation to aid any chances of recovery. Although this helped, the injury proved too much for him, and he passed away on Thursday morning.

“The responses to the original update show how much Billy was thought of and loved within the sport. His family are devastated that this has happened whilst he was playing the sport that he loved.”

Tributes to the player have flooded in from teams across the country.

Arsenal, where Billy had been an academy player, shared a tribute on the club’s official website.

It said: "As well as his significant talent, Billy will always be remembered for his love of the game, pride at representing our football club - he once called the day he was spotted by our scouts as ’the most important of his life’ – and a character beloved by teammates and coaches alike.

"Our deepest condolences go out to the Vigar family and his many friends at this extremely difficult time."

Tributes at the Chichester City FC ground(Image: EDDIE MITCHELL)

Flowers and tributes have also been laid at the Chichester City FC ground.

One message laid at the pitch said: “Gone to early, you’re going to be missed.”

Another said: “Can’t believe we are doing this. Such a young and talented player.”

Following the announcement of Billy's death, a petition has been set calling for all concrete walls at football pitches to be banned.

The petition urges these to replaced by safer alternatives, highlighting key reasons for the ban such as player safety, preventable tragedies, duty of care, and the lack of benefit to pitch security or spectator management.

The petition has already received over 1,800 signatures of support.