ARSENAL will pay tribute to former academy talent Billy Vigar before their Champions League game on Wednesday.
The Chichester City striker died aged 21 after suffering a significant brain injury during an Isthmian League Premier Division match at Wingate & Finchley.
Billy Vigar previously played for Arsenal’s academy sides[/caption]
Vigar was playing for Chichester City when he suffered fatal injuries[/caption]
Before the clash against Olympiacos, following a PA announcement, Arsenal will project Vigar’s image onto the big screens at the Emirates.
Arsenal’s players wore black armbands during the 2-1 Premier League win at Newcastle on Sunday.
The club’s under-21s also had a minute’s silence and wore black armbands in their 1-0 win at Derby on Friday.
Vigar was a graduate of the Arsenal academy, leaving the club in 2024, and also had spells at Derby, Eastbourne Borough and Hastings.
It is thought the injury was caused when he collided with a concrete wall.
The FA have announced that they will conduct an immediate review, working with leagues and clubs.
That will focus on the safety of perimeter walls and boundaries around pitches in the National League system.
Both Chichester City, and last weekend’s opponents Wingate & Finchley, saw their scheduled matches postponed last Saturday.
A mural of Billy Vigar has been painted near Emirates Stadium[/caption]
The latter have also called off their next two home games, while pledging to install safety padding around their Maurice Rebak Stadium home.
A statement 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.”
Arsenal stars wore black armbands at Newcastle on Sunday[/caption]
