Billy Vigar: Solid perimeter walls around pitches banned by FA after death of former Arsenal youngster
The Football Association has banned solid perimeter walls around pitches following the death of former Arsenal youth player Billy Vigar. Clubs are now required to remove or protect these barriers to improve player safety.
Why it matters
This policy change addresses significant safety risks in professional and semi-professional sports, potentially preventing future injuries.
Image source, Getty Images Image caption, Billy Vigar joined Arsenal's academy as a 14-year-old
The Football Association has banned solid perimeter walls around pitches after a safety review was launched following the death of former Arsenal youth player Billy Vigar.
The 21-year-old died after sustaining a "significant brain injury" while playing for Chichester City at Wingate and Finchley FC in September 2025.
It is thought the injury was caused when he collided with a concrete wall.
The review, conducted by independent health and safety experts for the 2026-27 season, said it "no longer permits solid brick, breeze block or concrete barriers around pitches across the National League system for men [steps 1-6], and the Women's National League [tiers 3-4]".
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