Two additional matches have been cancelled on the ground where Billy Vigal maintained the “serious” brain damage that led to his death. The former Arsenal striker represented Chichester City against Wingete and Finchley when the tragic incident unfolded. The player was injured at Maurice Leback Stadium after hitting a concrete barrier while preventing the ball from stopping playing. After the collision, Vigal was placed in a guided coma state and underwent a operation on Tuesday, but sadly died on Thursday.
The venue where this heartbreaking accident occurred is expected to encourage voices across the football community to implement reforms and install rubber safety barriers. The ground equipment on Saturday was discarded and Wingate and Finchley confirmed they did not meet the next two scheduled home matches.
A statement issued Sunday said, “With respect for Billy Vigal’s memory, we have decided to postpone two home fixtures this week in Tuesday night and Folkestone and Thursday night’s FA Youth Cup matches. Following such a tragic situation, there is currently no appetite for football at Maurice Leback Stadium.
“The club is fully discussed with the FA and we would like to thank both their understanding and actions, and we would also like to thank the Professional Football Players Association for their support in dealing with the welfare of our own players.
“The club is very much in mind in discussions after Billy’s death and intends to install rubber safety padding on the ground after receiving full recognition from the relevant sanctions authorities. We will not comment any more.”
Vigar, a product of Arsenal’s Youth System, played for under 18 and under 21 years of age before continuing his free transfer over a year ago. Mikel Arteta expressed his sadness towards the young player’s family at a press conference before the match.
“Well, when I got it yesterday, that’s shocking news,” he said. “So I think about my family and how difficult it is to go through something like this in a very unexpected way.
“And I hope they will dig deeper into what happened and why it happened. But they try to avoid this kind of thing. But really sad news, and our full support with our family and our thoughts with all our loved ones.”
