Billy Vigar death prompts FA ban on solid pitch walls

The Football Association has issued new safety rules for lower-league clubs after Chichester City forward Billy Vigar died from a brain injury suffered during a match in September 2025.

The FA said its new guidance “no longer permits solid brick, breeze block or concrete barriers around pitches” for clubs in the men’s National League System, steps 1-6, and the Women’s National League, tiers 3-4.

Vigar, a 21-year-old former Arsenal youth player, was injured during a match at Wingate and Finchley in north London.

The FA said existing solid brick, breeze block or concrete barriers must be removed “as soon as reasonably practicable” or covered with suitable protection if they cannot be removed for structural reasons. It said affected clubs had been told they would need to take action.