‘Traumatised’ teammate of ex-Arsenal youth Vigar speaks out on tragic accident as fundraiser surpasses £8,000

A player from Chichester City, who was on the pitch during the incident involving former Arsenal youth player Billy Vigar, described the aftermath as deeply traumatic. Vigar, 21, suffered a severe head injury after colliding with a concrete boundary wall during a match against Wingate and Finchley last weekend. Despite undergoing surgery and being placed in a coma, his family confirmed that the injuries were ultimately too severe, and he sadly passed away.

The accident occurred early in the game when Vigar attempted to prevent the ball from crossing the goal line. The match was subsequently abandoned as emergency services arrived, including both ambulance and air ambulance teams. Witnesses, including players from both teams, immediately rushed to support him until professional help arrived.

Kieran Magee, the goalkeeper for Chichester City, recounted the incident, describing it as a “freak accident” where Vigar collided with the perimeter wall. Magee emphasized how distressing the event was for everyone involved, describing it as a trauma that would stay with the team for a long time. He praised Vigar’s character, sharing that he had joined the team over the summer and made an instant positive impression through his humility and dedication.

Vigar, who previously trained at Arsenal’s youth academy, was seen as a humble and spirited player, loved by his peers for his genuine personality. Tributes poured in from fans and the community, including murals near The Emirates Stadium honoring his memory.

In response to the tragedy, a GoFundMe campaign has been launched to support Vigar’s grieving family and to create a lasting legacy in his memory. The campaign calls on the football community to unite and show strength during this difficult time, aiming to alleviate some of the financial burden faced by his loved ones. The campaign message reads: “Please give what you can and show the strength of the football community when we come together for one of our own.”

Everyone involved emphasizes the importance of reviewing safety at non-League stadiums, especially concerning boundary walls, to prevent such accidents from happening in the future.