Our son's death could have been prevented by FA - Billy Vigar's parents
Billy Vigar's parents says the Football Association could have prevented their son's death.
Camilla Vigar, mother of former Arsenal academy player Billy Vigar, believes his death from a significant brain injury could have been prevented. Billy, 21, died five days after colliding with a concrete wall at a match for Chichester City at Wingate and Finchley FC in north London. In their first interview, the Vigars accuse the Football Association (FA) of not taking action after previous similar incidents.
They cite examples of amateur footballer Ben Hiscox and Alex Fletcher, who both died due to injuries from colliding with concrete barriers. Billy's father, Keith Vigar, a health and safety professional, emphasizes that no one expects to be injured or die at work. The FA is currently reviewing more than 900 clubs, updating stadium criteria to no longer allow solid brick, breeze block, or concrete barriers around pitches.
Clubs with structural walls must have suitable protection, such as padding. The Vigars want these regulations extended beyond the National League.
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