As Billy Vigar’s family grieve, FA faces questions over its response on safety issues

<p>Alex Fletcher called for changes after crashing into concrete hoardings three years ago. As far as he is concerned, nothing happened as a result</p><p>When Chichester City confirmed that Saturday’s FA Trophy tie with Farnham Town would go ahead, they did so with a message: “Billy Vigar, forever in our hearts.” The match, the team’s first since Vigar’s tragic death a week previously, would be contested to “honour Billy”, the club said. “We invite you to join us in paying tribute to Billy on the day.”</p><p>Vigar, 21, died after <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/2025/sep/25/billy-vigar-chichester-and-former-arsenal-player-dies-after-sustaining-brain-injury">sustaining a “significant brain injury”</a> during Chichester’s Isthmian Premier League fixture at Wingate &amp; Finchley on 20 September. His passing was mourned by Arsenal, where Vigar had been part of the academy, and more broadly by clubs and individuals from across non-league football. There was a great sadness at the passing of a player who was well liked in a tight-knit community but had died, as Vigar’s family put it, “playing the sport he loved”.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/2025/oct/04/billy-vigar-fa-ground-safety-wingate-finchley">Continue reading...</a>