Club release new statement after Billy Vigar’s death as decision is taken

Former Arsenal forward Billy Vigar died on Thursday after suffering an injury at The Maurice Rebak Stadium during a game between Chichester City and Wingate and Finchley

Two more fixtures have been postponed at the stadium where Billy Vigar suffered a ‘significant’ brain injury before his death. The former Arsenal forward was playing for Chichester City against Wingate and Finchley when the tragedy occurred.

It was widely reported that the striker suffered the injury at the Maurice Rebak Stadium after colliding with a concrete wall attempting to keep the ball in play. Vigar was placed into an induced coma following the collision and underwent surgery on Tuesday, but tragically passed away on Thursday.

The ground where the devastating incident took place is now set to see rubber safety padding installed, with calls from across the football pyramid imploring the Football Association to make changes. A match at the stadium was cancelled on Saturday, while Wingate and Finchley have now said they will not contest the two games planned for the coming week.

READ MORE: Match cancelled over stadium safety concerns after former Arsenal striker’s deathREAD MORE: Ex-Arsenal striker Billy Vigar’s death sees the FA finally make significant safety call

A statement released on Sunday read: “Out of respect for the memory of Billy Vigar, the club has taken the decision to postpone this week’s two home fixtures on Tuesday night vs Folkestone and Thursday night’s FA youth Cup match. Following such tragic circumstances, there is currently no appetite for football at The Maurice Rebak Stadium.

“The club have been in full discussions with the FA and we would like to thank them for both their understanding and actions. We would also like to thank the Professional Footballers’ Association, who have been a support in dealing with our own players’ welfare.

“The club is incredibly mindful of the debate that followed Billy’s passing and intend to install rubber safety padding in the ground once it has received full accreditation from the relevant sanctioning authorities.

“We will be making no further comment.”

Vigar came through the ranks at Arsenal, and featured for the club’s under-18s and under-21s sides before departing on a free transfer little over a year ago. In his press conference ahead of the weekend, Mikel Arteta offered his sympathy to the 21-year-old’s family.

“Well, it’s shocking news, when I got it yesterday, obviously,” he said. “So straight away thinking about the family and how difficult it is to go through something like this in a very unexpected way as well.

“And hopefully they will dig in and understand what happened, why it happened and try to avoid these kind of things. But really sad news, and our full support with the family and our thoughts with all the loved ones.”

Join our new WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don’t like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you’re curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.