The Football Association has introduced updated safety protocols for pitchside structures after the tragic passing of Billy Vigar, a former Arsenal youth athlete. Vigar, a 21-year-old playing for Chichester City, sustained a fatal brain injury during a September 2025 fixture at Wingate and Finchley in north London. Investigators believe the incident occurred when the player struck a concrete perimeter wall.
Following an extensive safety assessment, the FA has prohibited the use of solid concrete, brick, and breeze block barriers at football grounds. This mandate impacts clubs across the National League System, specifically men’s levels one through six and women’s tiers three and four.
The governing body has directed teams to dismantle any existing rigid masonry walls as soon as feasible. In instances where immediate removal is not structurally viable, clubs are required to install appropriate protective padding over the barriers to mitigate future risk.
