Former Arsenal striker Billy Vigal was placed in a induced coma after suffering a horrific head injury. His condition was revealed in a statement issued by his club Chichester City.
The 21-year-old, who appeared on the Gunners U21S team until last year, suffered a horrifying accident while representing Chichester in Step 3 costume against Wingate and Finchley before joining Hastings United on a free transfer. Vigar tried to prevent the ball from crossing the touchline, causing it to collide with a concrete wall. The young man’s body twisted and slid on the wet surface, his forehead slammed against the wall. The match officials immediately stopped procedures, summoned emergency services, and paramedics quickly arrived on the ground.
Two days after the shocking incident, Chichester issued an update via social media channels regarding the player’s status. The club said: “Billie suffered a serious brain injury and is currently in an intensive care-induced coma with the best possible treatment.
“It’s too early to say what the outcome will be, and even if things go well, there’s a long way to go to recover first. Love from the whole CCFC Family Billy.”
Following the announcement, many compliments were poured out for the forward. Posted by non-league side Cray Valley FC: “The best wishes for Billy, our thoughts are with him.”
Dulwich Hamlet FC also took him to the social media page, writing, “Everyone’s thoughts on Champion Hill are with Billy, his family, friends and everyone in Chichester City.”
Brentwood Town FC also said, “Our idea is with Billy and his family during this difficult and sensitive period. We all want his strength and full recovery from all of us at Brentwood Town FC.”
Vigar was never featured in the first team fixtures of Mikel Arteta’s team, but has established himself as a key figure in the under-18 and in the Premier League two teams. During the 2021-22 U18S Premier League season, he registered four goals and two assists to the young gunner.
He arrived at Arsenal, 14, in December 2017, and wrote a maiden specialist contract with the Premier League Giants in July 2022.
In his only Premier League 2 campaign for the North London outfit, he managed one assist on four outings. In the subsequent seasons he moved on loan to Derby County U21, where he was featured nine times.
