English FA to review safety of walls around pitches after player dies
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The FA will review the safety of walls and boundaries around pitches in the National League system after former Arsenal academy player Billy Vigar died following a significant brain injury while playing for seventh-tier side Chichester City.
Local media reports said the 21-year-old hit his head on a concrete barrier beside the pitch in the Isthmian League Premier Division game on Saturday. He died in hospital on Thursday.
"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," the English governing body said in a statement on Friday.
"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."
Tributes will be paid to Vigar in FA Cup and National matches this weekend, the statement added.
The National League system sits below the Football League, with the Isthmian League at levels seven and eight of England's soccer pyramid. REUTERS
